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Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit can allow certain permanent residence applicants to keep working in Canada while IRCC processes their PR application. An Express Entry profile is not enough: eligibility depends on the PR program, application stage and temporary status.

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Overview

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A BOWP is an open work permit for certain PR applicants who are far enough into an eligible permanent residence process and need to maintain work authorization while waiting for a decision.

Eligibility

Who may qualify for a BOWP?

Current instructions include applicants under Express Entry programs, certain Provincial Nominee Program applications and other listed PR classes. For Express Entry, the principal applicant generally must be in Canada, meet the temporary-status rules, have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check and have an acknowledgement of receipt.

Key requirements

AOR, principal applicant status and temporary status

PR application

A profile or expression of interest is not enough; the qualifying PR application must be submitted and at the required stage.

AOR

An acknowledgement of receipt is a key document for many BOWP categories.

Status

You must meet the rules for valid status, maintained status or restoration eligibility.

PNP restrictions

Some non-Express Entry provincial nominees must also have no employment restriction on the nomination.

Application process

How a BOWP application works

  1. Confirm the PR program is BOWP-eligible.
  2. Confirm the PR application has reached the required stage.
  3. Review current work permit and status.
  4. Prepare the AOR and program-specific documents.
  5. Apply to extend or change work-permit conditions.
Documents

Documents commonly needed for BOWP

  • passport;
  • current or recent work permit;
  • acknowledgement of receipt;
  • proof of the qualifying PR application;
  • provincial nomination documents where applicable; and
  • restoration or maintained-status documents where relevant.
Common issues

Common BOWP application problems

  • applying with only an Express Entry profile;
  • applying before the PR application reaches the required stage;
  • missing the AOR;
  • allowing the current permit to expire without understanding maintained status; and
  • PNP employment restrictions.
Professional support

How Argus can help with a BOWP

Argus can review the stage of your PR application, AOR, current status and work-permit history, assess BOWP eligibility and prepare or review the work permit application.

FAQs

Bridging Open Work Permit FAQs

Is an Express Entry profile enough?

No.

Do I need an AOR?

For major BOWP categories such as Express Entry, yes.

Can a PNP applicant qualify?

Some can, but the rules differ between Express Entry and non-Express Entry PNP cases.

Can I travel while BOWP is processing?

You can travel, but leaving after work authorization expires can affect your ability to work on return.

Official information

Current government sources

Immigration rules can change. These pages were reviewed against current official sources on September 23, 2026:

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Every application depends on the individual facts and the rules in force when you apply. A consultation can help identify the requirements, documents and issues most relevant to your situation.