Maple News reports that the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a valuable tool for foreign nationals in Canada who are awaiting a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application. BOWPs allow eligible applicants with temporary resident status to continue working legally in Canada while their immigration status is finalized.
Unlike employer-specific permits, a BOWP is an open work permit. This means it’s not tied to a specific job or employer and gives the holder flexibility to work for nearly any employer across most sectors in Canada. The permits are generally issued for up to two years, and they may be extended at the discretion of an immigration officer.
To qualify for a BOWP, applicants must meet several criteria. First, they must be physically in Canada with valid temporary resident status. Second, they must have applied as a principal applicant for PR under one of the eligible economic immigration pathways. These include the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program (all Express Entry streams), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the Agri-Food Pilot, Home Child-Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilots, and legacy caregiver programs.
Applicants should also hold a valid work permit or fall under maintained status, meaning they’ve applied for a permit renewal before expiry. Alternatively, if their status has lapsed, they must be eligible for restoration with authorization to work. Crucially, they must have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter for their PR submission and passed the minimum completeness or eligibility checks, depending on their immigration stream.
While BOWPs provide broad employment flexibility, certain exceptions apply. For instance, individuals nominated through a PNP with job-specific restrictions may be limited to working in the province that issued their nomination. Others under special public policies or pilot programs may have location constraints as specified on their permit.
Importantly, foreign workers whose permits expire during BOWP processing can continue working under maintained status, provided their BOWP application was submitted before the permit expired and they stay within Canada. Leaving the country during processing is allowed, but re-entry to resume work is only possible after BOWP approval if the original permit has expired.
Family members of eligible applicants, such as spouses or common-law partners, may also be eligible for an open work permit. This option enhances family unity while supporting Canada’s effort to retain skilled workers.
Processing for BOWPs typically takes between three to four months. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early to avoid disruptions in their employment.
Maple News highlights the BOWP as a critical bridge for skilled workers transitioning to permanent Canadian residency, reinforcing Canada’s continuing commitment to workforce integration and immigration stability.