CanadaBridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
An open work permit that lets you keep working in Canada while IRCC processes your permanent residence application.
Who this is for
- You are in Canada and have applied for permanent residence as the principal applicant
- Your current work permit is about to expire, or you are on maintained status
- You applied through Express Entry, an eligible Provincial Nominee Program stream, or another eligible economic program
Eligibility at a glance
- You are physically in Canada when you apply
- Your permanent residence application has passed the completeness check and you hold an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR)
- You hold a valid work permit, are on maintained status, or are eligible to restore your status
- If you are a provincial nominee, your nomination has no employer restriction
- You are admissible to Canada
This is a summary of the requirements, not legal advice. Requirements change, so always check the official IRCC page before you apply.
Documents you will need
How long it takes, by country
IRCC service standard for this service is 17 weeks. Published figures move weekly.
IRCC does not publish country-specific figures for this application. The typical time is 17 weeks.
Questions people actually ask
When should I apply?
Only once you hold the acknowledgement of receipt for your permanent residence application, and before your current work permit expires. A submission confirmation email is not an AOR. IRCC's timing rules for BOWP change, so check the current requirements on IRCC's BOWP page before applying.
Can I keep working while it is processed?
If you apply before your current permit expires, you are on maintained status and can usually keep working under your existing permit's conditions until IRCC decides.
Can my spouse get a work permit too?
Your spouse or partner cannot get a BOWP themselves, but may qualify for a spousal open work permit depending on your occupation. Family members apply separately.