Bridging Open Work Permit: Eligibility And Application Process

Navigating Canada’s immigration system while transitioning from temporary to permanent residency can be complex, but the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) serves as a crucial lifeline for thousands of foreign workers each year. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about BOWP eligibility, application procedures, and best practices to ensure a smooth transition during your permanent residence application processing.

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What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special type of open work permit designed specifically for individuals who have already applied for permanent residence in Canada. Unlike regular work permits that tie you to a specific employer, a BOWP provides the flexibility to work for any employer across Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed.

The BOWP acts as a bridge between your current temporary status and your eventual permanent residency, preventing employment gaps and financial instability during the often lengthy PR processing period. This permit ensures that skilled workers can continue contributing to the Canadian economy while awaiting their immigration decision.

Regular Work Permit vs. BOWP Comparison: Key differences between standard work permits and Bridging Open Work Permits

BOWP Application Checklist

✅ Pre-Application Verification

Eligibility Requirements

I am currently in Canada
I have submitted a PR application under an eligible program
I am the principal applicant on my PR application
I have a valid work permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration
I have received my AOR/AIP letter (depending on program)
My passport is valid for at least 6 months

Program-Specific Requirements

Express Entry: I have my AOR letter
PNP via Express Entry: I have AOR + no employment restrictions
PNP Direct Stream: I have AIP letter + no employment restrictions
Quebec: I have CSQ + completeness check passed
Other Programs: I have AIP letter + meet specific requirements

📋 Required Documents Checklist

Mandatory Forms

IMM 5710 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (completed and validated)
IMM 5556 – Document Checklist (this checklist)
IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (if applicable)
IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information (if applicable)

Identity & Status Documents

Photocopies of all passport pages (personal info, expiry date, entry stamps)
Photocopy of current work permit (both sides)
Photocopy of any other immigration documents
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Common-law union declaration (if applicable)

Program-Specific Documents

Express Entry: AOR letter from IRCC
PNP: Provincial nomination certificate + AOR letter
Quebec: CSQ certificate + permanent application number letter (starting with “E”)
Pilot Programs: Approval in principle letter

Additional Documents

Proof of payment for fees ($255 total: $155 processing + $100 BOWP fee)
Biometrics appointment receipt (if required)
Medical exam results (if requested)
Job offer letter or employment contract (if applicable)

💰 Fee Payment Checklist

Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required)
Total Standard Cost: $255 CAD (or $340 with biometrics)

🖥️ Online Application Steps

Create or sign into your IRCC secure account
Start new application: “Extend or change conditions of your work permit”
Select “Open work permit” as permit type
Complete all form sections accurately
Upload all required documents in correct format (PDF preferred)
Upload AOR/AIP letter in “Client Information” field
Review application thoroughly before submission
Pay fees using valid payment method
Submit application and save confirmation number
Print confirmation receipt for your records

⏰ After Submission

Check email regularly for IRCC communications
Monitor application status in your IRCC account
Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Keep current work permit/status valid until BOWP is received
Update address if you move during processing

🚨 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do NOT apply too early (wait for AOR/AIP)
Do NOT select wrong work permit type
Do NOT forget to pay both fees
Do NOT submit incomplete applications
Do NOT let work permit expire without maintained status
Do NOT change employers without proper authorization
Do NOT leave Canada while application is processing (if status expires)

📞 Emergency Contacts

IRCC Contact Centre: 1-888-242-2100
Online Web Form: Available in your IRCC account
Processing Time Updates: Check IRCC website for current estimates

📝 Notes Section

Use this space to track your application progress:

Application submitted: ___________
Confirmation number: ___________
Biometrics completed: ___________
Additional documents requested: ___________
BOWP received: ___________

Important: This checklist is for guidance only. Always refer to the official IRCC website and current immigration regulations for the most up-to-date requirements.

Eligibility Requirements by Program

Understanding BOWP eligibility requirements is crucial, as they vary significantly depending on which permanent residence program you’ve applied under. The following programs are eligible for BOWP applications:

PR Program	Required Status	Employment Location	Work Permit Status Required	Additional Requirements
Express Entry (FSWP/CEC/FSTP)	AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt)	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – via Express Entry	AOR + No employment restrictions	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + no employment restrictions
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Direct Stream	AIP (Approval in Principle)	Restricted to nominating province	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + no employment restrictions
Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)	Completeness check passed + CSQ	Restricted to Quebec	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + hold valid CSQ
Agri-Food Pilot	AIP (Approval in Principle)	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant
Home Child Care Provider Pilot	AIP + 6 months qualifying experience	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + 6 months experience
Home Support Worker Pilot	AIP + 6 months qualifying experience	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + 6 months experience
Caring for Children Class	AIP (applications before June 18, 2019)	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + application before June 2019
Caring for People with High Medical Needs	AIP (applications before June 18, 2019)	Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)	Valid permit OR maintained status OR eligible for restoration	Must be principal applicant + application before June 2019

Express Entry Programs

For applicants under Express Entry streams (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program), you must meet these criteria:

Currently live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec
Have submitted a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)
Received your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC
Be the principal applicant on your PR application
Hold valid work permit status, maintained status, or be eligible for restoration

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP applicants have different requirements depending on whether they applied through Express Entry or directly to the province:

PNP via Express Entry:

Same requirements as Express Entry programs above
Must have no employment restrictions as a condition of nomination
Employment location restricted to anywhere in Canada except Quebec

PNP Direct Stream:

Must have Approval in Principle (AIP) status
Employment location restricted to the nominating province only
Must have no employment restrictions in nomination letter

Quebec Skilled Worker Program

Quebec applicants have unique requirements:

Must live in Canada and intend to live in Quebec
Hold a valid Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ)
Have passed the completeness check for permanent residence
Employment restricted to Quebec province only

Pilot Programs and Caregiver Classes

Several specialized programs also qualify for BOWP:

Agri-Food Pilot (requires AIP)
Home Child Care Provider Pilot (requires AIP + 6 months experience)
Home Support Worker Pilot (requires AIP + 6 months experience)
Caring for Children/High Medical Needs Classes (applications before June 18, 2019)

Work Permit Status Requirements

To qualify for a BOWP, you must meet one of three work permit status conditions:

Valid Work Permit

You currently hold a valid work permit that hasn’t expired. This is the most straightforward scenario where you can apply for your BOWP while maintaining legal status in Canada.

Maintained Status (Implied Status)

If you applied to extend your work permit before it expired but haven’t received a decision, you’re considered to be on maintained status. This allows you to continue working under the same conditions as your expired permit while awaiting the extension decision.

Eligible for Restoration

If your work permit has expired but you’re within 90 days of expiration and haven’t left Canada, you may be eligible to restore your status. You can apply for status restoration simultaneously with your BOWP application.

Application Process Step-by-Step

The BOWP application process is primarily conducted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the application steps:

BOWP Application Process Flowchart: Step-by-step guide to applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit

Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Gather Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you meet all eligibility criteria for your specific PR program. Common required documents include:

Completed IMM 5710 form (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker)
Copy of your current work permit
Passport photocopies (all pages with personal information and entry stamps)
AOR/AIP letter from IRCC
Program-specific documents (nomination certificate for PNP, CSQ for Quebec applicants)

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Access your IRCC secure account and select “Extend or change conditions of your work permit”. When completing the application:

Select “Open work permit” as the permit type
Upload all required documents in PDF format
Upload your AOR/AIP letter in the “Client Information” field
Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly

Step 3: Pay Application Fees

The standard BOWP application requires two fees:

Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD
Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (if required)

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)	Notes
Work Permit Processing Fee	$155	Mandatory for all work permit applications
Open Work Permit Holder Fee	$100	Additional fee for open work permits
Biometrics Fee (if required)	$85	Required for most applicants from non-exempt countries
Total Standard Cost	$255 (or $340 with biometrics)	Processing time: 2-4 months typically

Step 4: Submit and Monitor Application

After thorough review, submit your application and save your confirmation receipt. Monitor your application status regularly through your IRCC account and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

Employment Location Restrictions

While BOWPs are generally open work permits allowing employment with any Canadian employer, certain location restrictions apply based on your PR program:

No Restrictions

Express Entry applicants (FSWP, CEC, FSTP)
Agri-Food Pilot
Home Care Provider/Support Worker Pilots
Caregiver Classes

Provincial Restrictions

PNP Direct Stream applicants: Must work within the nominating province only
Quebec Skilled Worker applicants: Must work within Quebec only

These restrictions ensure nominees fulfill the regional labor market commitments that formed the basis of their nomination.

Processing Times and Validity

BOWP processing times typically range from 2-4 months, though this can vary based on application volume and individual circumstances. Online applications generally process faster than paper submissions.

BOWP Application Timeline: Key milestones and processing phases from PR application to BOWP receipt

Once issued, BOWPs are typically valid for up to 24 months. However, the permit will not be issued beyond:

Your passport expiry date
The expected processing time of your PR application
24 months from issuance date

If your BOWP expires before your PR decision, you may apply for extensions of up to 12 months.

Spouse and Family Considerations

BOWP holders working in skilled occupations (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) may be eligible to sponsor their spouse for an open work permit. The spouse must meet specific requirements including:

Valid temporary resident status in Canada
The BOWP holder’s permit must be valid for at least 6 months
The principal applicant must work in an eligible occupation level

Dependent children may accompany the family by applying for visitor records rather than work permits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding common BOWP application errors can save significant time and prevent refusals:

Timing Errors

Applying before receiving AOR/AIP status
Letting work permit expire without maintained status
Applying with insufficient remaining validity on current permit

Application Errors

Selecting wrong work permit type (closed vs. open)
Incomplete document submission
Failing to pay all required fees
Incorrect program-specific documentation

Status Maintenance Issues

Changing employers without proper authorization2021
Leaving Canada while application processes and current status expires
Failing to respond to IRCC requests promptly

Benefits of Obtaining a BOWP

The BOWP provides numerous advantages for permanent residence applicants:

Employment Flexibility: Work for any employer without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Financial Stability: Maintain income and continue supporting yourself and family during PR processing
Canadian Experience: Continue gaining valuable Canadian work experience that may benefit future applications
Family Benefits: Eligible spouses may qualify for their own open work permits
Peace of Mind: Avoid the stress of potential employment gaps during lengthy PR processing times

Tips for a Successful Application

To maximize your chances of BOWP approval, follow these expert recommendations:

Documentation Best Practices

Submit clear, legible photocopies of all documents
Ensure all translations are certified and complete
Double-check that all forms are properly validated and signed
Keep original documents for your records

Application Strategy

Apply as soon as you receive your AOR/AIP letter
Review all requirements specific to your PR program
Consider professional assistance if your case involves complications
Maintain detailed records of all correspondence with IRCC

Status Maintenance

Never let your legal status in Canada lapse
Apply for extensions well before permit expiry dates
Understand the implications of travel while applications are processing
Keep emergency contact information readily available

Recent Policy Updates

Immigration policies continue evolving, with recent changes affecting various work permit categories. While BOWP eligibility has remained relatively stable, applicants should stay informed about:

Processing time fluctuations due to application volumes
Updated biometric requirements for certain countries
Changes to spouse and family member eligibility criteria
Enhanced documentation requirements for specific programs

Conclusion

The Bridging Open Work Permit serves as a vital tool for maintaining employment authorization while transitioning to permanent residency in Canada. Success requires careful attention to eligibility requirements, thorough documentation, and strategic timing of your application.

By following this comprehensive guide and utilizing the provided checklist, you’ll be well-positioned to navigate the BOWP application process successfully. Remember that immigration law is complex and constantly evolving, so always verify current requirements on the official IRCC website or consult with qualified immigration professionals when needed.

The BOWP represents more than just a work permit—it’s a bridge to your future as a permanent resident of Canada, ensuring you can continue building your career and contributing to Canadian society throughout your immigration journey.