The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada to extend their work permit while they await a decision on their permanent residency application (APR). This permit is exclusively available to individuals who have already submitted their APR and possess a valid work permit. To qualify for BOWP the applicant(s) must have submitted an APR under one of the following classes:
For certain employer-driven streams in the PNC, the nominating province or territory may impose employment restrictions on a successful nominee until the person becomes a permanent resident. If employment restrictions are imposed, IRCC does not issue an open work permit to the foreign national under the BOWP Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption.
To be eligible for a BOWP, foreign nationals must:
receipt of a positive eligibility assessment on their non-Express Entry APR submitted by mail or online under one of the following classes or pilots:
Note: Foreign nationals in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are eligible for a BOWP only if they have provided a copy of the nomination letter issued by the nominating province or territory along with their application, and there is no indication that employment restrictions exist as conditions of the nomination.
BOWP allows foreign nationals working in Canada to extend their work permit while waiting for their permanent residency application decision.
Applicants who have submitted a permanent residency application under specific classes like FSWC, CEC, FSTC, and others, and currently hold a valid work permit.
Yes, PNP applicants can apply for BOWP if they have an unrestricted nomination from a province or territory.
Applicants must be in Canada, have a work permit expiring in 4 months or less, be a principal applicant on an APR, and have passed certain stages of the APR process.
No, BOWP is for those whose current work permits expire within four months.
Yes, applicants must pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
If there are employment restrictions, IRCC may not issue a BOWP under the LMIA exemption.
Individuals with expired legal status in Canada are not eligible for BOWP.
Yes, if they meet the other BOWP eligibility criteria.
Yes, for PNP applicants, evidence of an unrestricted provincial nomination is required.
