A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets foreign nationals continue working in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application. It is valid for up to two years and can be extended. Unlike employer-specific permits, BOWPs allow work for most employers.
Who Can Get a BOWP?
Applicants must:
- Be in Canada on temporary resident status.
- Have applied for PR under an eligible program (Express Entry, PNP, QSW, etc.).
- Hold a valid work permit or be eligible for status restoration.
- Have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for their PR application.
- If a work permit expires while a BOWP application is in process, the applicant may continue working under maintained status.
What If My Work Permit Expires?
If a work permit expires before applying for a BOWP, options include:
- Applying for a visitor record and stopping work.
- Finding an employer willing to support a new work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
