Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit allows certain foreign nationals already in Canada to continue working legally while their permanent residence application is being processed. It is intended to prevent loss of status for applicants who have reached an advanced stage in a qualifying permanent residence process but whose current work permit is expiring. A BOWP is an open work permit, meaning it is not tied to a specific employer, but it is available only to applicants who meet strict eligibility criteria.
Who is eligible for a BOWP?
A BOWP is available only to applicants who are physically present in Canada, currently hold a valid work permit, and have submitted a complete permanent residence application under an eligible program. Eligible programs include Express Entry streams such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program, as well as certain Provincial Nominee Program streams and other specified economic classes. Applicants must have received confirmation that their permanent residence application passed the completeness check.
Work permit expiry timing requirement
A BOWP may be applied for only if the applicant’s current work permit will expire within four months or less at the time of application. Applications filed too early are refused, and applications filed after the work permit expires require restoration of status, which can complicate or eliminate eligibility. Timing is critical and miscalculations frequently lead to refusal.
Status in Canada while applying
If a BOWP application is submitted before the current work permit expires, the applicant benefits from maintained status and may continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made. If the application is submitted after the work permit expires, the applicant cannot work until approval and may lose eligibility altogether depending on the circumstances.
Open work authorization under a BOWP
A BOWP allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada and is not restricted to a specific job or location. However, standard inadmissibility restrictions still apply, including prohibitions on working in certain industries if medical exams have not been completed. A BOWP does not override conditions imposed by other laws or prior enforcement actions.
Duration of a BOWP
BOWPs are typically issued for up to 12 months, although the exact validity period is discretionary and may be shorter depending on passport validity or anticipated processing timelines. BOWPs may be renewed in limited circumstances if the permanent residence application remains in process and the applicant continues to meet eligibility requirements.
Provincial Nominee Program considerations
PNP applicants are eligible for a BOWP only if their nomination is not employer restricted or if the province confirms that the applicant may receive an open work permit. Employer restricted nominations often require an employer specific work permit instead of a BOWP. Careful review of nomination conditions is required before applying.
Common refusal reasons for BOWPs
BOWP refusals commonly occur due to applying before meeting the four month expiry window, submitting the application before the permanent residence file passed completeness, relying on an ineligible PR stream, loss of status, or inconsistencies between work permit and PR application information. Many refusals are procedural rather than substantive and are avoidable with proper timing and documentation.
Impact of PR refusal or withdrawal
If the permanent residence application is refused or withdrawn, the BOWP may be cancelled and the applicant may lose the right to work. A BOWP does not provide independent status beyond its validity period and is fully dependent on the underlying permanent residence application remaining active.
Government fees
The government fee for a Bridging Open Work Permit is $255 CAD, consisting of a $155 work permit processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee. Fees are payable directly to IRCC and are non refundable once processing begins.
Processing times
BOWP processing times vary depending on volume and application method but commonly range from several weeks to a few months. Processing times are not guaranteed, and delays may occur if eligibility is unclear or additional verification is required.
Our Bridging Open Work Permit legal services
Our services include eligibility assessment, PR application stage verification, timing strategy to avoid refusal, status analysis, document preparation and review, submission of BOWP applications, advice on maintained status and work authorization, and contingency planning if PR processing is delayed. Legal fees for BOWP matters typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 CAD plus HST, depending on complexity, timing risk, and status history.
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