Work permits | Permanent residence applicants in Canada
A bridging open work permit lets you keep working in Canada while IRCC decides your permanent residence application. It is for principal applicants in certain economic programs whose work permit is about to expire.
Scope of this guide: This guide is for principal applicants for permanent residence who are in Canada on a work permit. Start with the eligibility checker in section 1 for a quick result.
Answer each question from the dropdown lists to see if you can apply for a BOWP. The checker follows IRCC’s BOWP client page and officer instructions.
Choose your program to start. The result updates as you answer.
Self-check only: This is general information, not legal advice. The officer decides based on your facts and documents.
A BOWP is an open work permit for people already working in Canada who have applied for permanent residence (PR). It covers the gap between the end of your current work permit and the decision on your PR application (officer instructions). IRCC issues it under paragraph R205(a), exemption code A75, so you do not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Who applies | The principal applicant on an eligible PR application, from inside Canada |
| Status needed | A valid work permit, maintained status as a worker, or the right to restore worker status |
| PR stage | Depends on the program: completeness check passed, eligibility passed, or approval in principle |
| Length | Usually 24 months from the date of issue, and not past your passport expiry |
| IRCC fees | $155 work permit fee + $100 open work permit holder fee = $255 |
Only some PR programs lead to a BOWP. Each one needs a different PR stage and proof (IRCC, officer instructions).
See the PR stage you need, the proof to upload and where you can work.
Not eligible: the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots that opened in 2025 (IRCC), the Yukon Community Pilot (IRCC), family sponsorship (sponsored spouses have their own open work permit), and any program not listed above.
You must meet all of these general rules when you submit your application (officer instructions, IRCC). Tick each one that applies.
Who does not qualify: people working without a permit under a work permit exemption (other than maintained status), applicants at a port of entry, spouses and dependants of PR applicants, and anyone inadmissible to Canada (officer instructions).
| Stage | Programs | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Completeness check | Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST, PNP through Express Entry), Quebec skilled worker, Quebec investor | IRCC confirmed your PR application is complete (R10) and sent your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) |
| Eligibility passed | Base PNP (not Express Entry) | You send the AOR. IRCC holds the BOWP until your PR application passes the eligibility assessment |
| Approval in principle | Agri-Food Pilot, caring classes, Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots | You received the approval in principle letter |
PNP update until December 31, 2026: PNP applicants in Canada who have no AOR yet can send the email confirming their online PR submission, with proof of PR fee payment, instead of the AOR (Operational bulletin 699).
PNP nominations: Your nomination letter must show “Restrictions on employment: No”. If the nomination is restricted, IRCC will not issue a BOWP, but you may qualify for an employer-specific PNP work permit (T13) (officer instructions).
An Express Entry profile or an invitation to apply is not a PR application. If your permit will expire before you can submit your PR application, extend your current permit instead; your employer may need a new LMIA or job offer (IRCC).
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Usually 24 months from the date of issue, and not past your passport expiry (officer instructions) |
| Employer and job | Open: any employer and any job, shown as NOC 99999 |
| Location | PNP: nominating province only. Quebec skilled worker: Quebec only. Other programs: anywhere in Canada |
| Medical | If you have not had an immigration medical exam, some jobs (such as health care or child care) may be restricted |
| Renewal | Case by case, if your PR application is still in process. Quebec extensions are usually 12 months |
| Fee (CAD) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit processing fee | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 |
| Restoration of status (if needed) | $246.25 extra |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 |
Fees are from the IRCC fee list. If IRCC refuses a BOWP because the PR application is incomplete, it refunds the open work permit holder fee but not the processing fee (officer instructions).
Your spouse, common-law partner or dependent child cannot get a BOWP. Once you hold a BOWP, they may apply for a family open work permit (code C49) from inside or outside Canada, if they are included in your PR application (C49 instructions, IRCC).
| Refusal reason | What it looks like | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong PR stage | No AOR, PR application incomplete, or no approval in principle yet | Wait for the right letter, or extend your permit |
| Restricted nomination | PNP letter says “Restrictions on employment: Yes” | Apply for a T13 employer-specific permit instead |
| Wrong permit type | “Open work permit” not selected on the form | Check the form before you pay |
| No valid status | Permit expired over 90 days ago, or no work permit | Apply before your permit expires |
| Not the principal | Spouse or dependant applied for a BOWP | Apply for a family open work permit instead |
A BOWP depends on timing: your PR application must reach the right stage before your work permit runs out. A late application or the wrong permit type can leave you unable to work.
Neximm Immigration is an RCIC-led consultancy based in Dehradun, India. A licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant advises on and represents your file. We check your program, dates and documents before you apply.
This guide offers general information and is not legal advice. It is based on IRCC web pages and program delivery instructions reviewed in October 2026. IRCC rules can change at any time. Contact Neximm Immigration for advice on your own situation.