Bridging Open Work Permit — Don't Stop Working Because You're Waiting for PR

Program Overview

A Permit Designed to Bridge a Gap

The BOWP is an open work permit — meaning you can work for nearly any Canadian employer, in nearly any role, regardless of the kind of permit you held previously. It is typically valid for up to 24 months, which is generally enough time for IRCC to finalize a federal economic PR application.

The BOWP is purpose-built. You qualify for it only if your PR application has been received by IRCC under specific programs — typically Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FSTP), the Provincial Nominee Program, the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, or Caring for Children/Caring for People with High Medical Needs.

Timing is critical. To apply for a BOWP, you must currently hold a valid work permit, and you must apply before your current permit expires — typically within four months of expiry, though you can technically apply earlier once your PR application has reached the appropriate stage.

When the BOWP doesn't apply

The BOWP is not available to every PR applicant. Family-class sponsorship applicants, for example, follow different work-permit pathways (typically an SOWP after approval-in-principle). Our team identifies which work-permit route best fits your specific PR stream.