Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Who Qualifies and How to Apply in Canada

If you are already in Canada and waiting for a decision on your permanent residence (PR) application, an expiring work permit can create a lot of uncertainty. A bridging open work permit in Canada may allow eligible PR applicants to continue working while they wait for their permanent residence application to be processed.

Unlike an employer-specific work permit, an open work permit generally allows the holder to work for different employers and in different occupations, subject to the conditions on the permit. However, not everyone applying for permanent residence qualifies for a BOWP. Eligibility depends on the PR program, your current immigration status, your application stage, and other requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit, commonly called a BOWP, is a type of open work permit designed for certain foreign nationals in Canada who have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision.

The purpose is straightforward: it can help eligible applicants continue working in Canada while their PR application is being processed.

A BOWP is different from a standard employer-specific work permit. With an employer-specific permit, you are generally restricted to the employer, job and location specified on your permit. An open work permit can provide greater flexibility because eligible open work permit holders can change employers and jobs.

However, receiving a PR invitation, submitting an Express Entry profile, or being nominated by a province does not automatically mean you qualify for a BOWP. You generally need to have progressed far enough in the permanent residence process to meet IRCC's requirements.

Who Is Eligible for a BOWP?

Eligibility depends on the permanent residence pathway you used. IRCC currently lists several PR programs and classes that may qualify for a BOWP, including Express Entry and certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathways.

Express Entry Applicants

Applicants who submitted a complete permanent residence application through Express Entry may qualify if they meet the applicable requirements.

For Express Entry, eligible programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program.

Generally, you must:

• Be in Canada when applying and intend to live outside Quebec.
• Have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit, or meet the applicable requirements for maintained status or restoration.
• Be the principal applicant on the PR application.
• Have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check.
• Have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for the PR application.

Simply creating an Express Entry profile or entering the Express Entry pool is not enough. You must have actually submitted your PR application and received the required confirmation.

Provincial Nominee Program Applicants

Certain PNP applicants may also qualify for a BOWP.

For a PNP applicant applying through Express Entry, requirements generally include being the principal applicant, living in Canada, having the appropriate temporary status or work authorization, having a complete PR application and meeting the applicable nomination requirements. The nomination must also not contain employment restrictions that prevent BOWP eligibility.

For non-Express Entry PNP applicants, similar requirements apply, including having submitted the PR application and meeting the relevant completeness or eligibility requirements.

The PNP rules are particularly important in 2026 because IRCC introduced a temporary measure allowing certain eligible in-Canada PNP applicants to apply for specific work permits without waiting for an AOR. This is discussed in more detail below.

Other Eligible PR Pathways

IRCC's BOWP program also covers certain other PR pathways and classes, depending on their specific eligibility rules.

These have included certain Quebec programs, caregiver-related pathways, the Agri-Food Pilot and other programs listed in IRCC's current BOWP instructions. Some programs have specific requirements, such as approval in principle or qualifying work experience.

Because immigration programs can open, close or change eligibility requirements, applicants should verify that their specific PR pathway is currently covered before submitting a BOWP application.

Status and Work Permit Requirements

Your current status in Canada is another important part of BOWP eligibility.

Depending on your PR pathway, you may qualify if you have a valid temporary resident status and work permit. Certain applicants with an expired work permit may also qualify if they maintained their status as a worker or are eligible to restore their status and obtain a work permit.

This is one reason it is important not to wait until the last minute to review your options.

Principal Applicant Requirement

For many BOWP categories, you must be the principal applicant on the permanent residence application.

Being included as a spouse or dependent on someone else's PR application does not automatically make you eligible for a BOWP. Family members may have separate options for obtaining an open work permit, depending on their circumstances.

AOR and PR Application Requirements

For most standard BOWP applications, an Acknowledgement of Receipt is an important document.

The AOR confirms that IRCC has received the PR application. Applicants should also understand that submitting an Express Entry profile or receiving a provincial nomination is not the same as submitting a complete PR application.

Who Is Not Eligible for a BOWP?

A BOWP is not a general-purpose work permit available to every foreign national in Canada.

You may not qualify if, for example:

• You have not submitted your permanent residence application.
• You only have an Express Entry profile and have not yet submitted a PR application.
• Your PR pathway is not one of the programs or classes eligible for a BOWP.
• You do not meet the applicable temporary resident or work authorization requirements.
• You are not the principal applicant where principal-applicant status is required.
• Your application or supporting documentation does not meet IRCC's requirements.
• You are applying under a pathway with different work permit rules.

The exact reason for ineligibility matters because you may have another work permit option. If your current permit is approaching its expiry date, it is better to review alternatives early rather than assume a BOWP is available.

BOWP Eligibility Requirements in 2026

The basic BOWP framework remains tied to eligible permanent residence applications, but applicants should pay particular attention to policy changes introduced during 2026.

IRCC currently identifies Express Entry, certain PNP streams and several other PR pathways within its BOWP instructions. Requirements can vary considerably between programs.

The biggest current development for PNP applicants is the temporary AOR-related measure introduced on June 9, 2026.

The measure was created in response to delays in issuing Acknowledgements of Receipt for some PNP permanent residence applications. Eligible applicants applying from inside Canada may be able to use alternative proof that their PR application was submitted instead of waiting for the AOR for certain work permit categories, including PNP BOWPs. The temporary measure is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, unless changed earlier.

This does not mean that every PNP applicant can automatically apply for a BOWP without an AOR. The measure has specific eligibility requirements and applies to particular work permit applications.

Do You Need an AOR to Apply for a BOWP?

For many applicants, yes. Under the standard BOWP rules, an AOR is generally required as evidence that IRCC has received the complete PR application.

However, there is an important 2026 exception for certain eligible PNP applicants in Canada.

Under the temporary measure introduced June 9, 2026, eligible in-Canada PNP applicants who have not yet received an AOR may be able to provide alternative proof of their PR application submission. This can include the email confirming submission of the PR application through the online portal together with proof of payment. IRCC officers may also verify the existence of the PR application through their systems.

If you have already received your AOR, you should provide it as required. The temporary measure is not a blanket replacement for the AOR for every BOWP applicant.

Because this policy is temporary, anyone relying on it should check the current IRCC instructions before applying.

Documents Needed for a BOWP

The exact document list depends on your PR pathway and personal circumstances. IRCC requires applicants to follow the applicable document checklist and upload the supporting documents requested during the application process.

Common documents may include:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• Your current or previous work permit.
• Your AOR, if required and already available.
• Your provincial nomination certificate or nomination letter, if applicable.
• Supporting documents required by your specific PR pathway.
• Any additional documents requested by IRCC.

For online applications, IRCC provides instructions for uploading the AOR and other supporting documents in the appropriate section. PNP applicants may have to provide both their nomination documentation and PR application evidence.

Do not assume that another applicant's document list will be identical to yours. Your PR program and individual circumstances can affect what you need to submit.

How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit

The process is generally completed online for applicants in Canada, although IRCC provides limited alternatives where online application is not possible.

1. Check Your Eligibility

Before starting an application, confirm that your PR program is eligible and that you meet the applicable BOWP requirements.

Pay close attention to your current status, work permit expiry date, principal applicant status and PR application stage.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Gather your passport, current work permit, AOR, nomination documents and other supporting evidence required for your specific pathway.

If you are a PNP applicant relying on the 2026 temporary measure, make sure you understand what alternative proof of PR submission is accepted.

3. Apply Online

Follow IRCC's instructions for extending or changing the conditions of your work permit.

When completing the application, select open work permit when asked about the type of work permit you are applying for.

This is also relevant if you are researching how to apply open work permit in Canada more generally, because open work permits are only available to people who meet a specific eligibility category. You cannot simply choose an open work permit instead of an employer-specific permit.

4. Pay the Required Fees

You generally need to pay the applicable work permit processing fee and open work permit holder fee when submitting your BOWP application.

5. Submit Your Application

Review your application carefully before submitting it. Missing information or documents can create delays or affect the outcome of your application.

Keep copies of your application, supporting documents and payment confirmation for your records.

6. Wait for Processing

After submission, IRCC will process your application. Processing times can change, so check the current IRCC processing information rather than relying on an old estimate.

Can You Keep Working While Your BOWP Is Being Processed?

In some situations, yes.

If you submit an eligible work permit extension application before your current permit expires and meet the requirements for maintained status, you may be able to continue working under the applicable conditions while IRCC processes your application.

However, the rules depend on your circumstances and the type of work permit you held. IRCC explains that applicants on maintained status can generally continue working under the conditions of their previous permit while waiting for a decision.

If you leave Canada while relying on maintained status, your ability to work when you return can be affected. IRCC specifically warns that leaving Canada after a work permit expires can mean you cannot work until the new permit is approved.

Can You Change Employers With a BOWP?

Generally, one of the main advantages of an open work permit is greater employment flexibility.

Unlike an employer-specific work permit, an open work permit generally allows the holder to change employers and jobs, subject to the conditions attached to the permit and any applicable restrictions.

That flexibility can be particularly valuable for PR applicants who do not want their immigration status tied to a single employer.

What Happens If Your Work Permit Expires Before You Apply?

This is an important situation to address before your work permit expires.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for an extension before expiry and benefit from maintained status. Certain applicants with an expired permit may also have restoration options, but restoration rules are different from maintained status and can affect whether you are authorized to work.

If you leave Canada after your permit expires, additional complications can arise. IRCC states that certain BOWP applicants who leave Canada after their work permit expires cannot work when they return until the new work permit is approved.

If your expiry date is approaching, review your options as early as possible.

Need Help With Your BOWP Application?

Applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit can be confusing, particularly when eligibility depends on your permanent residence pathway, current status, and application stage.

Foothills Immigration provides Canadian immigration guidance to help clients understand their options and prepare their applications correctly.

Whether you are applying through Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program or another eligible pathway, getting the requirements right can be important when your current work authorization is approaching its expiry date.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for a BOWP, what documents you need, or how recent policy changes may affect your application, consider getting professional immigration guidance before submitting your application.

Get Started With Foothills Immigration