Core BOWP requirements
- Principal applicant in a qualifying PR program.
- Complete PR application past the completeness check.
- Acknowledgement of receipt.
- Eligible status and location at the time of application.
Bridging Open Work Permit
Bridging Open Work Permit Canada: BOWP Eligibility
Keep working. Stay in Canada.
A Bridging Open Work Permit may allow eligible applicants to continue working while a permanent residence application is being processed.
On This Page
- Bridging open work permit overview
- Qualifying permanent residence applications
- Status and location requirements
- Working while the BOWP is processed
- Spouse or partner work permits
- Eligibility and application requirements
- BOWP document checklist
- How the process works
- How Simmi Immigration can help
- Frequently asked questions
Overview
Bridging open work permit overview
A Bridging Open Work Permit can let eligible principal applicants keep working in Canada while IRCC processes a qualifying permanent residence application.
Creating an Express Entry profile is not a permanent residence application. The PR file generally must be complete, have passed the completeness check and have an acknowledgement of receipt before the BOWP stage is available.
Qualifying permanent residence applications
BOWPs are available for applicants in specified programs, including Express Entry, certain provincial nominee cases, the Quebec skilled worker class and some other listed economic or caregiver categories.
Requirements vary by PR program. Provincial nominees may face employment or provincial restrictions, and Quebec applicants follow separate instructions.
Status and location requirements
For Express Entry cases, the principal applicant must generally live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec when applying. They must have a valid work permit and status, maintained worker status, or be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit.
Travel after the existing permit expires can interrupt the ability to work until the new permit is approved. Status and travel planning should be reviewed before departure.
Working while the BOWP is processed
Submitting a BOWP application does not create work authorization by itself. Continued work may flow from maintained status when a complete application is filed before the existing permit expires and the applicant meets the applicable conditions.
Applicants who have already lost status need a separate restoration analysis and generally cannot rely on maintained worker status.
Spouse or partner work permits
A spouse or common-law partner may have a separate open-work-permit option depending on the principal applicant’s BOWP, PR program, occupation and current family-member rules.
The spouse must submit their own application and establish independent eligibility.
Key information
Eligibility and application requirements
Eligibility, supporting evidence and practical considerations for this application.
What does not qualify by itself
- An Express Entry profile in the pool.
- A notification of interest from a province.
- A PR plan that has not been submitted.
- A spouse’s PR application when you are not the principal applicant.
Status planning
- Apply before the current permit expires where possible.
- Confirm maintained-status work conditions.
- Review restoration if status has already expired.
- Assess travel before leaving Canada.
Permit conditions
- Open work authorization in eligible cases.
- Possible provincial restrictions for nominees.
- Expiry based on IRCC assessment and passport validity.
- No guarantee of approval of the underlying PR application.
Checklist
BOWP document checklist
Use the current checklist for the permanent-residence category and work permit route.
- Passport and current work permit.
- Acknowledgement of receipt letter.
- Proof the PR application passed the completeness check.
- Provincial nomination records, where applicable.
- Current Canadian address and status evidence.
- Digital photograph and application forms.
- Restoration documents, where applicable.
- Marriage or common-law documents for related family applications.
- Program-specific supporting evidence requested by IRCC.
Step by step
How the process works
- 1
Confirm the PR program
Verify that the submitted application supports a BOWP.
- 2
Check AOR and completeness
Make sure the PR application is past the required stage.
- 3
Review status and location
Confirm permit validity, maintained status or restoration.
- 4
Prepare the work permit file
Upload the AOR and program-specific evidence.
- 5
Submit before expiry
Preserve status where the maintained-status rules apply.
- 6
Track both applications
Continue meeting work-permit and PR requirements.
Why us
What you get working with Simmi Immigration
A
PR-stage review
Distinguish a pool profile from a submitted PR application.
B
Status protection
Coordinate the BOWP with the current permit expiry.
C
Program details
Apply the correct Express Entry, PNP or Quebec instructions.
D
Family options
Assess separate eligibility for a spouse or partner.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
It is an open work permit for eligible principal applicants with a qualifying permanent residence application in process.
No. You generally need a complete permanent residence application and an acknowledgement of receipt.
A BOWP is generally open and does not require a specific offer, although program or provincial conditions may apply.
An approved open permit usually allows work for most employers, subject to its printed restrictions.
Some people may apply with restoration, but they do not have the same maintained-status work rights. Obtain a status review promptly.
You may leave, but travel can affect re-entry and the ability to work if the old permit expires. A work permit is not a travel document.
Possibly, but the spouse must meet the family open-work-permit rules and submit a separate application.
No. The permanent residence application remains a separate decision.
Next step
Do not stop your career
Let us review your BOWP eligibility and timelines before your current permit expires.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Program rules change and individual circumstances matter. Confirm current IRCC requirements before applying.
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