You may be eligible for a BOWP if all of the following apply: 1. You are inside Canada. 2. You have a valid work permit (or you are on maintained status after applying to extend/renew it). 3. You have an eligible PR application pending with IRCC — specifically, your application must have been submitted under one of these programs: - Express Entry (CEC, FSW, or FST) - A Provincial Nominee Program (Base or Enhanced stream) - Atlantic Immigration Program - Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot - Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot 4. Your PR application must have reached th

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Q: What is a BOWP?

A Bridging Open Work Permit — a temporary open work permit that lets you continue working legally in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed, if your current work permit is about to expire. is a temporary open work permit that bridges the gap between your current work permit expiry and the final decision on your permanent residence application. Without a BOWP (or maintained status), you would have to stop working once your PGWP or other permit expires — even if your PR application is pending and you have done nothing wrong. ---

Q: What if your PR application is refused?

If your PR application is refused while you are on a BOWP: - Your BOWP typically becomes void. - You would need another basis to remain in Canada (a new work permit, study permit, visitor status, or leave Canada). - You can appeal or reapply for PR if you are still eligible. Get advice from a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer before your situation reaches this point — there is usually time to prepare. --- → PGWP — full guide → Express Entry Overview & CRS → Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → Study → PR Pathway Map ---

Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/BOWP

General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.

What is a BOWP?

A BOWP is a temporary open work permit that bridges the gap between your current work permit expiry and the final decision on your permanent residence application.

Without a BOWP (or maintained status), you would have to stop working once your PGWP or other permit expires — even if your PR application is pending and you have done nothing wrong.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible for a BOWP if all of the following apply:

You are inside Canada.
You have a valid work permit (or you are on maintained status after applying to extend/renew it).
You have an eligible PR application pending with IRCC — specifically, your application must have been submitted under one of these programs:
- Express Entry (CEC, FSW, or FST)
- A Provincial Nominee Program (Base or Enhanced stream)
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
Your PR application must have reached the stage of being in process — generally meaning IRCC has opened your application and sent you an acknowledgement of receipt.
Your current work permit must expire within 4 months (though you can apply earlier in some cases — confirm current IRCC guidance).

⚠️ BOWP eligibility rules are detail-sensitive and can change. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca before applying.

The Express Entry BOWP scenario (most common)

If you are on a PGWP and have submitted an Express Entry PR application:

You received an ITA from Express Entry.
You submitted your PR application within 60 days.
IRCC acknowledged receipt of your PR application.
Your PGWP is approaching expiry.
Apply for a BOWP — you can continue working while your PR is processed.

Maintained (implied) status

If your current work permit expires while you have a pending application to renew or extend it, you may have maintained (implied) status — meaning you can legally continue doing what your current permit allows (working) while waiting for a decision, as long as you applied before your permit expired.

Maintained status is different from a BOWP — maintained status applies when you've applied to renew or extend your work permit itself (e.g. another PGWP extension or a different permit), not when you're waiting for PR.

⚠️ Confirm whether maintained status applies to your exact situation — it does not always apply and depends on when and how you applied. An error here can leave you working without authorization.

How to apply for a BOWP

Gather documents: current work permit, PR application acknowledgement, AOR (acknowledgement of receipt from IRCC), proof of identity.
Apply online through the IRCC portal — choose "Work permit — Bridging open work permit."
Apply while your current permit is still valid. If it expires while your BOWP application is pending, maintained status may let you continue working — but confirm this with IRCC or an advisor.
Pay the application fee — confirm the current fee on canada.ca.

BOWP length

A BOWP is generally issued until a decision is made on your PR application (or until a date IRCC sets). It is an open work permit — no specific employer required.

What if your PR application is refused?

If your PR application is refused while you are on a BOWP:

Your BOWP typically becomes void.
You would need another basis to remain in Canada (a new work permit, study permit, visitor status, or leave Canada).
You can appeal or reapply for PR if you are still eligible.

Get advice from a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer before your situation reaches this point — there is usually time to prepare.

→ PGWP — full guide → Express Entry Overview & CRS → Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → Study → PR Pathway Map

Sources

canada.ca — Bridging open work permit