Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Guide

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of open work permit that allows temporary foreign workers in Canada to continue working while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application. The BOWP bridges the gap between the expiry of a current work permit and the final decision on a permanent residence application, ensuring that workers do not lose their ability to work legally during this transition period.

See also: How to Apply for Canadian Permanent Residence

The BOWP program is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is available to applicants under specific permanent residence programs.

Who Is Eligible for a BOWP?

To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet all of the following criteria:

• You are physically present in Canada
• You hold a valid work permit (or have maintained your status in Canada)
• You have submitted a permanent residence application under an eligible program
• Your permanent residence application has passed certain processing milestones

Eligible Permanent Residence Programs

Not all permanent residence applications qualify for a BOWP. The eligible programs include:

• Express Entry programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Including both paper-based and Express Entry-linked PNP applications
• Quebec Skilled Workers Program: For applicants who have received a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Processing Milestones

For Express Entry applicants, you become eligible for a BOWP once you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have submitted a complete application for permanent residence. For other programs, the milestone may be different. Check the IRCC BOWP page for the specific requirements for your program.

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

See also: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Guide

See also: Express Entry CRS Score Guide

How to Apply for a BOWP

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you meet all the eligibility criteria. You must be in Canada, have a valid work permit (or maintained status), and have a qualifying permanent residence application in progress. If your current work permit is expiring soon, apply for the BOWP before it expires.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need the following documents for your BOWP application:

• A copy of your current work permit
• Proof that you have submitted a permanent residence application (e.g., the acknowledgement of receipt letter from IRCC, your application number)
• Proof that your application has passed the required processing milestone (e.g., the Invitation to Apply confirmation for Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Certificate for PNP applicants)
• A valid passport or travel document
• Passport-sized photographs
• The application form (IMM 5710)

Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

BOWP applications are submitted online through the IRCC online account. Complete the application form, upload all supporting documents, and pay the required fees.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The fees for a BOWP include:

• Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
• Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
• Total: $255 CAD

Biometrics fees ($85 CAD) may also apply if you have not provided biometrics recently.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times for BOWPs vary. Check the IRCC processing times page for current estimates. While your application is being processed, you may be able to continue working under implied status if you applied before your current work permit expired.

Understanding Implied Status

Implied status is an important concept for BOWP applicants. If you submit your BOWP application (or any application to extend your status) before your current work permit expires, you can continue to work under the same conditions as your expiring permit until a decision is made on your new application. This is called implied status, and it protects you from gaps in your work authorization.

However, implied status only applies if you apply before your current permit expires. If your permit has already expired and you have not applied for an extension, you may have lost your legal status and should consult an immigration professional immediately.

Duration and Conditions

A BOWP is typically issued for a period that aligns with your passport validity or the expected processing time of your permanent residence application. Because it is an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, and in any location (with some standard exceptions).

You are not required to stay with the same employer you were working for under your previous work permit. This flexibility is one of the main advantages of the BOWP.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Applying too late: Do not wait until your current work permit has already expired. Submit your BOWP application while you still have valid status to benefit from implied status.
• Not meeting the processing milestone: Ensure your permanent residence application has reached the required stage before applying for a BOWP. Applying too early will result in refusal.
• Incomplete documentation: Include all required documents, especially proof of your permanent residence application and the processing milestone.
• Forgetting to check passport validity: Your BOWP cannot be issued beyond your passport's expiry date. Renew your passport if needed before applying.
• Assuming automatic approval: The BOWP is not automatic. You must submit a separate application with the correct fees and documents.

What If Your Permanent Residence Application Is Refused?

If your permanent residence application is refused while you hold a BOWP, your BOWP remains valid until its stated expiry date. However, you will not be able to renew it. You will need to explore other options, such as applying for a new work permit (employer-specific or under another program) or leaving Canada before your status expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse or partner also work?

If you hold a BOWP, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. Check the eligibility criteria on the IRCC website or consult an immigration professional. See our spousal open work permit guide for details.

Can I travel outside Canada with a BOWP?

Yes, you can travel outside Canada while holding a BOWP. However, ensure you have a valid travel document (visa or eTA) to re-enter Canada. If you are travelling while your permanent residence application is in progress, ensure you have all necessary documents to prove your status upon return.

How do I check the status of my BOWP application?

You can check the status of your application through your IRCC online account. Processing updates will appear there as your application moves through the system.

Where to Get Help

For official information, visit the IRCC Bridging Open Work Permit page. If you need legal advice, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer. Verify a consultant's registration at the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.

The BOWP is a vital tool for foreign workers making the transition from temporary to permanent residence in Canada. By applying at the right time and with the right documents, you can ensure a seamless continuation of your work authorization throughout the permanent residence process.

Practical Tips for BOWP Applicants

Timing is everything with the BOWP. Start monitoring your work permit expiry date as soon as you submit your permanent residence application. A good rule of thumb is to begin preparing your BOWP application at least 60 days before your current work permit expires. This gives you enough time to gather documents, submit the application, and deal with any unexpected issues.

Keep a dedicated folder (physical and digital) with all your immigration documents organized chronologically. Include copies of your permanent residence application acknowledgement, your Invitation to Apply (for Express Entry applicants), your current work permit, your passport, and any correspondence from IRCC. Having these documents readily available will make the BOWP application process much smoother and will also be useful for future interactions with IRCC, such as permanent residence interviews or landing appointments.