Bridging Open Work Permit Canada: BOWP Eligibility Guide
A Bridging Open Work Permit, commonly called a BOWP, can allow certain permanent residence applicants already in Canada to continue working while IRCC processes their permanent residence application. This guide explains current BOWP eligibility for Express Entry, PNP, Quebec and other qualifying applicants, as well as AOR requirements, maintained status, restoration, documents, travel and application fees.
1. What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit, or BOWP, is an open work permit available to certain foreign nationals who have submitted an eligible application for Canadian permanent residence and need continued work authorization while IRCC processes that application.
The concept of a "bridge" is important. The BOWP can bridge the period between a person's existing temporary work authorization and the final decision on an eligible permanent residence application.
Unlike an employer-specific work permit, a BOWP is generally not tied to one specific employer. It can therefore provide considerably more employment flexibility while the permanent residence application remains in process.
A permanent residence applicant must qualify under one of IRCC's designated BOWP categories and meet the requirements for that category. A pending PR application alone is not enough.
For the broader Canadian work authorization framework, see the Work Permit Canada: Requirements & Complete Guide .
2. Why Does Canada Have the BOWP?
Processing a permanent residence application can continue beyond the expiry date of an applicant's existing work permit.
Without another work permit option, a foreign national could face a gap in work authorization while waiting for IRCC to decide the PR application.
The BOWP can allow an eligible applicant to continue working during this period without requiring the existing employer to obtain a new Labour Market Impact Assessment solely to maintain the applicant's employment.
The BOWP is therefore a temporary work authorization mechanism connected to an eligible permanent residence application. It does not constitute approval of permanent residence.
3. Which Permanent Residence Programs Can Lead to a BOWP?
As of September 2026, IRCC identifies BOWP eligibility for qualifying applicants under the following permanent residence categories:
- permanent residence through Express Entry;
- the Provincial Nominee Program through Express Entry;
- the Provincial Nominee Program outside Express Entry;
- the Quebec skilled worker class;
- the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot opened from 2019 to 2024;
- the former Caring for Children Class and Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class;
- the Agri-Food Pilot; and
- qualifying Quebec investors.
Each category has its own stage-of-processing and documentary requirements.
Do not assume that the Express Entry requirements apply unchanged to PNP, Quebec, caregiver or other permanent residence applications.
4. Bridging Open Work Permit for Express Entry Applicants
BOWP eligibility is available to qualifying permanent residence applicants under the three federal economic programs managed through Express Entry:
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Federal Skilled Worker Program; and
- Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The applicant must meet all of IRCC's BOWP requirements. Creating an Express Entry profile, entering the pool or receiving an Invitation to Apply does not by itself create BOWP eligibility.
For the permanent residence system itself, see the Express Entry Canada Complete Guide .
5. Express Entry BOWP Eligibility Requirements
A qualifying Express Entry principal applicant must currently:
- live in Canada when applying for the BOWP;
- intend to live outside Quebec;
- have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, have maintained status as a worker after the work permit expired, or be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit;
- be the principal applicant on the permanent residence application;
- have submitted a complete permanent residence application;
- have passed IRCC's completeness check; and
- have the acknowledgement of receipt letter issued for the PR application.
All of these elements should be checked before relying on a BOWP as the strategy for maintaining Canadian work authorization.
6. Is an Express Entry Profile Enough for a BOWP?
No.
This is one of the most important timing rules for Express Entry applicants.
An Express Entry profile places an eligible candidate in the Express Entry pool. It is not a permanent residence application.
Likewise, receiving an Invitation to Apply does not by itself mean that the permanent residence application has been submitted.
For BOWP purposes, the applicant must have submitted the complete electronic application for permanent residence and reached the required processing stage.
IRCC specifically advises candidates who are not yet eligible for a BOWP to maintain their temporary status. Depending on the case, this may require another employer-specific or LMIA-exempt work permit strategy.
7. Do You Need an AOR for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
For Express Entry BOWP applications, IRCC currently requires the acknowledgement of receipt letter issued after the permanent residence application is received.
The AOR is important because it provides evidence that the applicant has moved beyond merely having an Express Entry profile or Invitation to Apply.
When applying online, IRCC currently instructs Express Entry applicants to upload a copy of the AOR in the Client Information field.
Other BOWP categories can require additional evidence, such as a provincial nomination certificate, CSQ or approval-in-principle letter.
8. BOWP Eligibility Is Based on the Principal PR Applicant
The principal BOWP provisions discussed in this guide generally require the applicant to be the principal applicant on the qualifying permanent residence application.
An accompanying spouse or common-law partner does not automatically receive a BOWP merely because the principal applicant qualifies.
A spouse or common-law partner may instead need to qualify for an open work permit under the applicable family-member rules.
See the Spousal Open Work Permit Canada guide for the current family-member framework.
9. BOWP for Express Entry Provincial Nominees
A provincial nominee who submitted the permanent residence application through Express Entry may qualify for a BOWP.
The applicant must generally:
- live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec when applying;
- have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, maintained status with qualifying work authorization, or restoration eligibility;
- be the principal PR applicant;
- have no employment restrictions as a condition of the provincial nomination;
- have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check; and
- have the AOR.
The applicant should include both the acknowledgement of receipt and the nomination letter with the BOWP application.
10. Why PNP Employment Restrictions Matter
Provincial nomination does not automatically establish BOWP eligibility.
For the PNP BOWP categories, IRCC requires the nomination to contain no employment restrictions.
This requirement should be checked directly against the nomination documentation rather than inferred merely from the name of the provincial immigration stream.
If employment restrictions prevent BOWP eligibility, the applicant may need to maintain work authorization through another employer- specific or LMIA-exempt route.
11. BOWP for Non-Express Entry PNP Applicants
A person who applied for permanent residence through a Provincial Nominee Program outside Express Entry can also potentially qualify for a BOWP.
The applicant must currently:
- live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec;
- have qualifying temporary resident status, maintained worker status or restoration eligibility;
- be the principal applicant;
- have no employment restrictions as a condition of nomination;
- have submitted a complete permanent residence application that has passed the required eligibility assessment; and
- have the AOR.
IRCC notes that receiving the AOR does not itself mean that BOWP processing will immediately begin. IRCC first reviews the PR application to confirm that the applicable basic PNP eligibility requirements have been met.
12. BOWP for Quebec Skilled Worker Applicants
Quebec skilled worker applicants are subject to a distinct BOWP framework.
A qualifying applicant must currently:
- live in Canada and intend to live in Quebec;
- hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) that was valid when the permanent residence application was submitted;
- be the principal applicant on the PR application;
- have passed the permanent residence completeness check; and
- have a valid work permit and temporary resident status, maintained worker status, or be eligible for restoration and a work permit.
The usual Express Entry requirement to intend to reside outside Quebec therefore should not be incorrectly applied to this category.
13. Documents for a Quebec Skilled Worker BOWP
IRCC currently instructs a Quebec skilled worker BOWP applicant to include:
- the supporting documents required by the applicable work permit checklist;
- a copy of the CSQ; and
- the letter showing the permanent residence application number.
The permanent residence application number generally begins with the letter E.
For an online application, IRCC instructs the applicant to upload the letter showing the PR application number in the Client Information field.
14. BOWP for Quebec Investor Applicants
IRCC also currently identifies a BOWP route for qualifying Quebec investor permanent residence applicants.
The applicant must generally:
- have applied for permanent residence as a Quebec investor and passed the completeness check;
- live in Quebec;
- hold a valid CSQ or have held a valid CSQ when the permanent residence application was submitted;
- be the principal applicant; and
- have qualifying temporary resident status, maintained worker status or restoration eligibility.
The applicant must also meet the general requirements for a Canadian work permit.
15. BOWP for the 2019–2024 Caregiver Pilots
Certain applicants under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot that opened from 2019 to 2024 may qualify for a BOWP.
IRCC currently requires a qualifying applicant under these older pilots to:
- live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec;
- be approved in principle for permanent residence;
- prove 6 months of qualifying work experience; and
- have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, have made a timely work permit extension application, or be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit.
The approval-in-principle letter is an important supporting document for this category.
16. Are Applicants Under the 2025 Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots Eligible?
No, not under the BOWP rules currently published by IRCC.
This distinction is particularly important in 2026 because the names of the older and newer caregiver programs can easily be confused.
IRCC expressly states that applicants under the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots opened in 2025 are not eligible for a BOWP.
The BOWP provision discussed in the previous section applies to qualifying applicants under the older Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot opened from 2019 to 2024.
Do not rely on the general label "caregiver applicant." The specific permanent residence program and its opening period determine whether the published BOWP provisions apply.
17. Former Caring for Children and High Medical Needs Classes
IRCC continues to publish BOWP instructions for certain legacy applicants under:
- the Caring for Children Class; and
- the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class.
These programs are closed to new permanent residence applications.
For the limited inventory of qualifying applicants, IRCC currently requires, among other things:
- a complete PR application submitted before the programs closed on June 18, 2019;
- approval in principle;
- principal-applicant status;
- residence in Canada with an intention to live outside Quebec; and
- qualifying temporary resident status, maintained worker status or restoration eligibility.
18. BOWP for Agri-Food Pilot Applicants
IRCC also continues to publish BOWP provisions for qualifying permanent residence applicants under the Agri-Food Pilot.
The principal applicant must currently:
- live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec;
- have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, maintained worker status, or restoration eligibility;
- be the principal permanent residence applicant; and
- have been approved in principle for permanent residence.
The approval-in-principle letter should be included with the BOWP application.
19. Temporary Resident Status Requirements
BOWP eligibility is not based solely on the permanent residence application.
Depending on the BOWP category, an applicant generally needs to fall within one of the following temporary-status situations:
- valid temporary resident status together with a valid work permit;
- an expired work permit with maintained status as a worker and, where required, continued work authorization; or
- eligibility to restore temporary resident status and obtain a work permit.
The exact status history should be reviewed carefully before the BOWP application is submitted.
20. Can You Apply for a BOWP on Maintained Status?
Yes, qualifying applicants can potentially apply while on maintained status as workers.
Maintained status can arise where a foreign national submitted the appropriate application to extend their authorized stay before the existing status expired and remains in Canada under the applicable statutory and regulatory framework.
Maintained status should not be confused with simply remaining physically in Canada after a permit expires.
The timing and type of the earlier application determine whether status and work authorization were properly maintained.
21. Can You Apply for a BOWP During Restoration?
IRCC's current BOWP instructions permit qualifying applicants in several BOWP categories to apply where they are eligible to restore their temporary resident status and obtain a work permit.
Restoration is legally different from maintained status.
A person seeking restoration generally does not retain the same authority to work that can exist under maintained worker status.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that filing a restoration and BOWP application permits them to continue working immediately.
The restoration requirements, deadlines and employment consequences should be assessed separately from BOWP eligibility.
22. When Should You Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
The correct BOWP timing depends primarily on whether the permanent residence application has reached the processing stage required for the applicant's PR category.
For an Express Entry applicant, this means that the person should not treat:
- creation of an Express Entry profile;
- entry into the Express Entry pool;
- receipt of an Invitation to Apply; or
- preparation of the permanent residence application
as equivalent to having met the BOWP PR application requirement.
The complete PR application must have been submitted and the required AOR and processing stage reached.
Applicants should also avoid waiting until the last moment before their existing work permit expires.
23. Does Your Current Work Permit Have to Be Almost Expired?
Older BOWP information can cause confusion about whether a person's current work permit must have only a specific number of months remaining.
The current public-facing IRCC eligibility instructions should be followed for the applicant's particular permanent residence category.
The core issue is whether the applicant meets the current BOWP requirements, including the applicable temporary-status and permanent residence processing requirements.
Applicants should therefore avoid relying on outdated summaries that may contain superseded timing rules.
24. Bridging Open Work Permit Documents
The exact documents depend on the permanent residence category.
Common documents can include:
- passport;
- current or previous Canadian work permit;
- evidence of current temporary resident status;
- acknowledgement of receipt for the permanent residence application;
- provincial nomination letter where applicable;
- CSQ where applicable;
- approval-in-principle letter where required;
- permanent residence application number or related IRCC correspondence;
- evidence relating to maintained status or restoration where applicable; and
- any additional documents generated by the applicant's personalized IRCC checklist.
The permanent residence category should be identified before preparing the BOWP document package because the supporting evidence is not identical across programs.
For the broader work permit document framework, see Canada Work Permit Documents Checklist .
25. How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit
In most cases, a BOWP application is submitted online from inside Canada through the applicable IRCC work permit extension or change-of-conditions process.
The applicant should generally:
- confirm that the permanent residence program supports BOWP eligibility;
- confirm that the PR application has reached the required processing stage;
- review temporary resident status and current work authorization;
- obtain the AOR and any program-specific evidence;
- complete the applicable work permit application;
- select an open work permit where instructed;
- upload the supporting documents;
- pay the applicable fees; and
- submit the application.
IRCC provides paper application options in limited circumstances where an applicant has problems applying online.
For the general application process, see How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada .
26. Bridging Open Work Permit Fees
As of September 2026, IRCC's standard government fees for a BOWP are:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit processing fee | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 |
| Standard BOWP total before biometrics | $255 |
Biometrics fees may apply depending on the applicant's circumstances and biometrics requirements.
Restoration fees are separate where restoration of temporary resident status is required.
27. Does a BOWP Require an LMIA or Job Offer?
A BOWP is an open work permit and does not ordinarily require a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or employer-specific job offer as the basis for the BOWP application.
This distinguishes it from many employer-specific work permits.
However, if the applicant is not yet eligible for a BOWP and needs another work permit to maintain work authorization, the employer may need to obtain an LMIA or use an applicable LMIA-exempt category.
See the LMIA Work Permit Canada guide and LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Canada .
28. Where Can You Work With a BOWP?
Because the BOWP is an open work permit, it generally provides greater employment flexibility than an employer-specific permit.
The holder can generally work for different eligible employers without applying for a new employer-specific work permit each time the employer changes.
Open work permits remain subject to applicable restrictions.
For example, employment is generally not authorized for an employer that:
- appears on IRCC's list of employers that are ineligible because of non-compliance; or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
Medical restrictions may also appear on a permit where the required immigration medical examination has not been completed.
See the Open Work Permit Canada guide .
29. Can You Leave Canada While a BOWP Is Processing?
Travel while a BOWP application is pending requires careful status analysis.
IRCC states that qualifying applicants can leave Canada temporarily while the application is being processed.
However, leaving Canada can have significant consequences where the existing work permit has expired.
IRCC warns that if a person leaves after the work permit expires, or the permit expires while the person is outside Canada, they may not be able to work after returning until the new work permit is approved.
For certain PNP BOWP applicants, IRCC also expressly states that the applicant must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when the BOWP decision is made or the application may be refused.
A work permit does not itself authorize entry to Canada. Before travelling, applicants should separately assess their temporary resident visa or eTA requirements and the consequences for maintained status and work authorization.
30. BOWP vs Maintained Status
A Bridging Open Work Permit and maintained status are related concepts, but they are not the same thing.
| Concept | What it means |
|---|---|
| Bridging Open Work Permit | A new open work permit issued to an eligible permanent residence applicant |
| Maintained status | Temporary continuation of legal status after a timely extension application, subject to the applicable statutory and regulatory conditions |
A person who submits an eligible BOWP application before the existing work permit expires may be able to remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC processes the new application.
Whether the person may continue working, and under which conditions, must be assessed under the maintained-status rules rather than simply assumed from the fact that a BOWP application is pending.
31. Can the Spouse of a BOWP Holder Get an Open Work Permit?
A spouse or common-law partner does not automatically receive an open work permit because the principal applicant has obtained a BOWP.
The family member must qualify under the applicable family open work permit provisions.
Current family-member rules distinguish between, among other situations:
- workers who have applied for permanent residence through an eligible economic program;
- workers who are on an eligible pathway to permanent residence; and
- high-skilled workers who are not relying on a designated PR pathway.
The principal applicant's PR program, work authorization and remaining permit validity can therefore affect the spouse's eligibility.
32. What Happens to a BOWP if the PR Application Is Refused?
A BOWP and a permanent residence application are separate immigration applications.
Approval of the BOWP does not guarantee approval of permanent residence.
If the permanent residence application is refused, the person should immediately review:
- the validity of the existing BOWP;
- the legal effect of the PR refusal on any related immigration strategy;
- whether another temporary work permit category is available;
- whether there are grounds to challenge or seek reconsideration of the PR decision; and
- the person's ongoing temporary resident status in Canada.
The existence of a valid BOWP should not be treated as evidence that the underlying PR application will ultimately succeed.
33. Common Bridging Open Work Permit Mistakes
Applying after creating an Express Entry profile
An Express Entry profile is not a permanent residence application and does not establish BOWP eligibility.
Treating an Invitation to Apply as a PR application
An ITA gives the candidate an opportunity to submit a permanent residence application. It is not itself the application.
Applying without reaching the required PR processing stage
The stage required varies by permanent residence category. Express Entry applicants generally need the AOR after the completeness check, while some other categories require approval in principle.
Ignoring PNP employment restrictions
PNP applicants relying on the BOWP provisions must have no employment restrictions as a condition of nomination.
Assuming all caregiver programs qualify
IRCC currently states that applicants under the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots opened in 2025 are not eligible for a BOWP.
Applying Quebec rules to an Express Entry applicant
Express Entry BOWP applicants generally intend to live outside Quebec. Quebec skilled worker and Quebec investor applicants have separate rules.
Confusing maintained status with BOWP approval
Maintained status is a temporary legal status mechanism while an eligible application is pending. It is not the same as having the new BOWP approved.
Travelling without considering work authorization
Leaving Canada after the existing permit expires can affect the ability to work after returning while the BOWP remains pending.
Assuming a BOWP guarantees permanent residence
The BOWP allows qualifying temporary work authorization. IRCC separately assesses the permanent residence application.
34. Bridging Open Work Permit Eligibility Checklist
| Issue | What to verify |
|---|---|
| PR program | Program is currently eligible for a BOWP |
| Applicant | Applicant is the principal PR applicant where required |
| Location | Applicant meets the applicable in-Canada residence requirement |
| Destination | Outside Quebec or Quebec, depending on the PR category |
| PR stage | Completeness check, eligibility assessment or approval in principle as applicable |
| AOR | Required acknowledgement of receipt or application-number evidence available |
| Status | Valid status, maintained status or restoration eligibility |
| PNP | No employment restriction on nomination where applicable |
| Quebec | Valid CSQ requirements satisfied where applicable |
| Documents | Program-specific supporting evidence included |
| Fees | Work permit and open work permit holder fees paid |
| Travel | Consequences for status, entry and work authorization reviewed before departure |
35. Bridging Open Work Permit Canada FAQs
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada?
A BOWP is an open work permit that can allow certain permanent residence applicants in Canada to continue working while IRCC processes their PR application.
Who is eligible for a BOWP?
Eligibility depends on the permanent residence program, the stage of the PR application, temporary resident status and other program-specific requirements.
Can Express Entry applicants get a BOWP?
Yes. Qualifying principal applicants under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program may qualify after submitting a complete PR application and reaching the required processing stage.
Is an Express Entry profile enough for a BOWP?
No. Creating a profile or entering the Express Entry pool is not the same as submitting a permanent residence application.
Is an Invitation to Apply enough for a BOWP?
No. The candidate must submit the permanent residence application and meet the applicable BOWP processing-stage requirements.
Do I need an AOR for a BOWP?
Express Entry applicants and several other BOWP categories require the applicable acknowledgement of receipt or related IRCC confirmation. Program-specific requirements should be checked.
Can a PNP applicant get a BOWP?
Potentially. Both qualifying Express Entry and non-Express Entry provincial nominees can qualify, but IRCC requires, among other things, that there be no employment restrictions as a condition of nomination.
Can a Quebec skilled worker get a BOWP?
Yes, if the current Quebec skilled worker BOWP requirements are met, including the applicable CSQ, PR processing and temporary-status requirements.
Do Quebec BOWP applicants have to intend to live outside Quebec?
No. Qualifying Quebec skilled worker applicants must live in Canada and intend to live in Quebec. This differs from the general Express Entry and PNP BOWP framework.
Can applicants under the 2025 Home Care Worker Immigration pilots get a BOWP?
No. IRCC currently states that applicants under the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots opened in 2025 are not eligible for a BOWP.
Can applicants under the older caregiver pilots get a BOWP?
Certain applicants under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot opened from 2019 to 2024 may qualify if they meet the current requirements.
Can I apply for a BOWP after my work permit expires?
Potentially. IRCC's current BOWP instructions recognize qualifying applicants who have maintained worker status and applicants who are eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit.
Can I work while my BOWP is processing?
It depends on whether the applicant has valid work authorization, including any qualifying maintained-status work authorization. Filing a BOWP application does not independently authorize every applicant to work.
Does a BOWP require an LMIA?
No LMIA is ordinarily required as the basis for the BOWP because it is an open work permit.
Do I need a Canadian job offer for a BOWP?
A specific employer job offer is generally not the basis of a BOWP application. Eligibility is connected to the qualifying permanent residence application and the applicable BOWP requirements.
How much does a BOWP cost?
As of September 2026, the standard work permit processing fee is $155 and the open work permit holder fee is $100, for a total of $255 before any applicable biometrics or restoration fees.
Can I change employers after receiving a BOWP?
A BOWP is generally an open work permit, so the holder can usually work for different eligible employers without obtaining a new employer-specific permit for each change, subject to any conditions on the permit.
Can my spouse get an open work permit if I have a BOWP?
Potentially, but not automatically. The spouse or common-law partner must qualify under the applicable family open work permit rules.
Can I travel outside Canada while my BOWP is processing?
Travel is possible in some circumstances, but leaving Canada after the existing work permit expires can affect temporary status and the ability to work after returning. Entry-document requirements must also be assessed separately.
Does a BOWP guarantee approval of permanent residence?
No. IRCC assesses the BOWP and permanent residence applications separately.
A Bridging Open Work Permit can allow certain permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while IRCC processes their PR application. Eligibility depends on the permanent residence program, the stage reached by the PR application, the applicant’s temporary resident status and any program-specific conditions. An Express Entry profile or Invitation to Apply alone does not establish BOWP eligibility.
IRCC — Bridging Open Work Permit for Permanent Residence Applicants