Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets you keep working in Canada while your permanent residence (PR) application (such as Express Entry or PNP) is being finalized. It’s an open permit—not tied to a specific employer—designed to bridge the gap between your current work permit and your upcoming PR.
How It Works
- Confirm you’re in Canada and applied for PR as the principal applicant under one of the eligible economic programs (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker, CEC, FSTP, PNP without job restrictions, Quebec Skilled Worker, Agri-Food Pilot, or legacy streams like Home Child Care or Caring for Children if applied before June 18, 2019).
- Have valid (or maintained/restorable) work status—this means:
An active work permit, or
Maintained status from a timely extension application, or
Eligibility to restore your status and work authorization.
- Continue working under maintained status while IRCC processes your BOWP—assuming your application was submitted before your current permit expired.
- BOWP validity typically lasts until the PR decision is issued, up to a maximum of 24 months. Extensions of up to 12 months may be available at an officer’s discretion.
Why It Helps
Work without interruption: No LMIA needed, no employer restrictions (unless PNP or Quebec-specific)—you can work across most industries.
Maintain legal status inside Canada, even if your current permit expires.
Business continuity and flexibility: You can keep your job or switch employers, ensuring your Canadian work life isn’t disrupted.
At Nivara Immigration, we help ensure your eligibility, time your application perfectly, complete the process accurately, and help prevent any interruptions in your work authorization.
Heads-up:
If you leave Canada after your current permit expires and before BOWP approval, your work authorization ends—you’ll need to return and wait for approval before resuming work.
BOWP doesn’t directly impact your PR outcome—it’s there to support your status, not decide your PR.
