Bridging Open Work Permit Eligibility: Who Qualifies and How to Apply

You may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you applied for permanent residence under an eligible economic program and you are in Canada with a work permit that is still valid or has recently expired. This article explains who typically qualifies, what documents IRCC expects, a step-by-step application checklist, common mistakes we see at VMC, and realistic alternatives if you don’t qualify for a BOWP.

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets certain applicants who have already applied for permanent residence keep working while IRCC processes their PR application. It is an open permit, which usually means you can work for most employers in most occupations while the permit is valid. A BOWP does not guarantee you will get permanent residence — it only lets you stay and continue working legally while your PR decision is pending.

• You have applied for permanent residence in Canada under an eligible economic immigration program (commonly Express Entry streams such as Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, or certain Provincial Nominee streams). Check the IRCC page “Bridging open work permit” to confirm the current list of eligible programs.
• You are physically in Canada at the time you apply for the BOWP.
• You have a valid work permit at the time you apply, or your work permit expired recently. (IRCC’s allowable expiry window can change — at the time of writing IRCC accepts applications if your work permit is still valid or expired within a short window; check IRCC to confirm current rules.)
• You received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) or confirmation that IRCC has your PR application (the document IRCC issues after you submit a PR application). You must supply this AOR with your BOWP application.
• You are not otherwise inadmissible to Canada for criminality or medical reasons that would prevent a work permit being issued.
• Note: Holding a study permit or visitor status does not, by itself, make you eligible for a BOWP. If you hold another type of permit, confirm eligibility with IRCC or an RCIC.

1. 1Confirm eligibility: review IRCC’s BOWP page and verify that your PR stream is on the eligible list and that your work permit expiry falls within IRCC’s allowable window.
2. 2Gather documents: AOR/confirmation of receipt from your PR application; copy of your current or recently expired work permit; passport ID page and any valid visitor record; recent passport-style photos if required; a letter from your employer (helpful but not always mandatory); proof of status in Canada.
3. 3Create or sign in to your secure IRCC online account: IRCC accepts BOWP applications online. Use the account tied to your PR application where possible so files and messages stay together.
4. 4Complete the online BOWP application: choose the option for an open work permit while you await a decision on your PR application. Upload the AOR and all supporting documents. Pay the required fees online (check IRCC for the current fee amount).
5. 5Submit and keep records: after you submit, save the receipt and the file numbers. IRCC will send messages to your online account — monitor it and your email regularly.
6. 6If your work permit expires while IRCC processes your BOWP application and you applied before expiry, you may be able to continue working under implied status until IRCC makes a decision. Keep all correspondence and do not stop working unless IRCC tells you to.
7. 7If IRCC requests additional documents, respond quickly. A well-organised application shortens processing hurdles.

• Applying too late: waiting until after your work permit has been expired for a long time. If your permit is already expired beyond IRCC’s allowed window you may lose BOWP eligibility and require a restoration of status application.
• Missing or incorrect AOR: forgetting to upload the PR AOR or uploading an unrelated document. IRCC needs clear proof you actually applied for PR under an eligible stream.
• Choosing the wrong application category: selecting an employer-specific permit or the incorrect web form rather than the bridging open work permit option.
• Assuming BOWP covers dependent work permits: your spouse’s ability to work depends on separate rules. Don’t assume their work rights automatically match yours.
• Poor document organisation: unclear file names, missing passport pages, or low-quality scans can trigger a request for more documents and delay a decision.
• Not checking inadmissibility issues: unresolved criminality or misrepresentation on past applications can stop a permit being issued.

• Employer-specific work permit: your employer may use an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt category to support a new employer-specific work permit application.
• Restore status: if your work permit expired recently, you might apply to restore your status (there is a time limit and conditions — check IRCC).
• Apply from outside Canada: if you’re outside Canada or can’t restore status, you can apply for a new work permit from abroad.
• Other open work permits: some spouses of skilled workers or international students may be eligible for an open work permit through separate programs; verify eligibility.
• Continue working while on implied status: if you applied before your work permit expired, implied status may let you continue until IRCC decides — but check the exact conditions carefully.