Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Keep Working While You Wait for PR
A bridging open work permit (BOWP) lets you keep working in Canada while IRCC decides your permanent residence application. You must already have applied for PR and hold your acknowledgement of receipt letter. We check your timing before your current permit runs out.
since 1991
Which PR programs allow a BOWP?
A BOWP is for principal applicants who applied for PR through Express Entry (FSWP, CEC or FSTP) or the Provincial Nominee Program, whether through Express Entry or not. IRCC also lists some other programs, such as Quebec streams. You must live in Canada when you apply and intend to live outside Quebec (IRCC).
Do you qualify right now?
You qualify when you have submitted a complete PR application and passed the completeness check, and you hold your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter. A profile in the Express Entry pool is not a PR application. Read how the Canadian Experience Class and Express Entry work if you are not there yet.
Key rules at a glance
- Status: you need a valid permit, or an expired permit with maintained status, or you must be able to restore your status.
- Applicant: you must be the principal applicant on the PR application.
- Nominees: PNP nominees cannot have employment restrictions as a condition of the nomination.
- Location: you must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when IRCC decides your BOWP, or it may be refused.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A BOWP fits if
- You applied for PR and your work permit ends soon.
- You hold your AOR letter and, for a PNP, your nomination letter.
- You want to work for any employer, not only the one on your current permit.
Wait or fix first if
- No PR application yet: extend your current permit so you do not lose status. Your employer may need a new LMIA or offer of employment.
- Status already lost: you may need to restore your status first, and the 90 day clock matters.
- Nomination with job limits: a nomination that restricts your job blocks a BOWP.
Not sure of your route? Read our work permits hub, the open work permits guide or the spousal open work permit guide for your partner.
Why BOWP applications get refused or delayed
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
You applied too early
Submitting a profile to the pool is not applying for PR. You need a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, plus your AOR letter.
Your status lapsed
If your permit expired and you did not maintain status, you may need to restore it. You must apply within 90 days of losing status, with limited exceptions.
You were outside Canada
You must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when IRCC decides your BOWP. If your permit expires while you are abroad, you lose status.
Your nomination limits the job
A PNP nomination with employment restrictions blocks a BOWP. Check your nomination letter before you apply.
Missing papers
You must include your AOR letter, and for a PNP your nomination letter, plus the documents on your checklist. Upload them in the client information field.
Not sure your timing works?
We read your permit dates, your AOR and your PR file before you pay a fee.
BOWP deadlines you cannot miss
Apply before your permit expires
If you apply before your permit ends, you keep maintained status while IRCC decides. For online applications, IRCC must receive it before midnight UTC on the expiry day, so check the time difference.
You may restore your status within 90 days of losing it, and you can be eligible for a BOWP if you can restore your status and get a work permit. Restoration costs extra, so do not wait.
A BOWP keeps you working while IRCC decides your file. It does not speed up the decision. Keep your documents current and answer IRCC requests fast.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a document checklist. Start with these.
How a BOWP application works, step by step
Six stages from your AOR to your new permit.
Check your dates
Compare your permit expiry with your PR file stage. Do not let your permit lapse.
Gather your papers
Collect your AOR letter, and your nomination letter for a PNP, plus your checklist items.
Choose the permit type
Apply online as an extension or change of conditions, and select Open work permit.
Pay both fees
Pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
Upload your letters
Upload the AOR and nomination letters in the client information field.
Keep your status
Stay in Canada and keep your status while IRCC decides.
BOWP costs
From IRCC fee pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Bridging open work permit FAQs
What is a bridging open work permit?
A BOWP is an open work permit that lets you keep working while IRCC decides your PR application. It is for people already in Canada whose current permit is ending. You apply as an extension or change of conditions.
Who can apply for a BOWP?
Principal applicants in Canada who applied for PR through Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program can apply. You must have valid status or maintained status, or be able to restore status. You also need your AOR letter.
What is an AOR letter and why do I need it?
The acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter is the message IRCC sends after it receives your PR application. IRCC asks you to include it with your BOWP application. Without it, you do not qualify yet.
Can I apply with only an Express Entry profile?
No. A profile in the pool is not a PR application. You need an invitation, a complete PR application and the AOR first. Until then, extend your current work permit.
Can I get a BOWP with a provincial nomination?
Yes, if you are the principal applicant and your nomination has no employment restrictions. Include your nomination letter and AOR letter. See our PNP guide.
How much does a BOWP cost?
The usual government fees are the work permit fee of CAD$155 and the open work permit holder fee of CAD$100, so CAD$255. Biometrics of CAD$85 may apply. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
When should I apply for a BOWP?
Apply before your current permit expires, as soon as you have your AOR letter. Applying before expiry keeps your maintained status while IRCC decides. If you apply late, you may need to restore your status.
What if my work permit expires before I get my AOR?
Do not let it lapse. Extend your current permit to keep your status, which may need a new LMIA or offer of employment from your employer. Then apply for the BOWP when you have your AOR.
Can I leave Canada while my BOWP is processing?
You can leave temporarily, but be careful. If your permit expires while you are outside Canada, you lose status. You must also be in Canada with valid status when IRCC decides your BOWP.
Can my spouse and children work too?
Family members apply on their own applications, and their rules depend on your permit type and job level. Read our spousal open work permit guide for the current rules. We check each family member before you apply.
Does a BOWP guarantee permanent residence?
No. A BOWP only lets you work while IRCC decides your PR file. The PR decision is separate.
What if my BOWP is refused?
You can reapply if you fix the problem, or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.