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Extension & Renewal
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Continue working in Canada while your permanent residence application is processed. Get an open work permit to bridge the gap.
Processing Time
20 months (600 days) - Apply 4-6 months before your work permit expires
Government Fee
$255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 work permit holder fee)
Biometrics Fee
$85 CAD (if required and biometrics not previously valid)
Total Cost
$340 CAD (if biometrics required)
Extension Overview
About Bridging Open Work Permit
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special type of open work permit available to foreign workers in Canada who have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a final decision. It's designed to 'bridge' the gap between when your current work permit expires and when your PR application is finalized, allowing you to continue working legally in Canada.
The BOWP is particularly important for applicants in the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, or other economic immigration programs whose work permits may expire during the lengthy PR processing period. Unlike employer-specific work permits, a BOWP is an open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions for certain restricted occupations).
To be eligible for a BOWP, you must have a valid PR application in progress that has reached a certain stage (typically Acknowledgment of Receipt or later), and your current work permit must be expiring within 4 months. The BOWP provides peace of mind and employment continuity while you wait for permanent residence, which can take 6-12 months or longer depending on your PR stream. Current BOWP processing times are approximately 20 months, so strategic timing of your application is crucial.
Important Deadlines
- Apply within 4 months of your work permit expiry (earlier is better given 20-month processing times)
- Your PR application must have received AOR or equivalent before you can apply for BOWP
- Provide biometrics within 30 days if you receive a biometrics instruction letter
- If your work permit expires while BOWP is processing, you have implied status and can continue working if you applied before expiry
- Respond immediately to any IRCC requests for additional documentation
Free Extension Assessment
Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.
Book Free ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application InfoRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these requirements to qualify for Bridging Open Work Permit.
Have a valid work permit that will expire within 4 months (or have maintained implied status after submitting extension)
Have submitted an application for permanent residence under an economic class program (Express Entry, PNP, etc.)
Your PR application has passed the completeness check and you have an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) or letter confirming receipt
Your PR application is still in process and no final decision has been made
Currently in Canada and authorized to work
Continue to meet all eligibility requirements for your PR application
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Valid passport that extends beyond your intended work period
Current work permit (valid or recently expired with implied status)
Copy of your permanent residence Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter or equivalent
Copy of your complete PR application or key portions (e.g., Express Entry profile, ITA letter)
IRCC document showing your PR application is in progress (screenshots from PR tracker or letters)
Proof of current status in Canada and work authorization
Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
Payment for BOWP fees ($255 CAD for work permit and holder fee)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Verify Your PR Application Status
Confirm that your permanent residence application has been received and is in process. You need an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter or equivalent confirmation. Log in to your PR tracker or IRCC account to verify the application status and save proof of receipt.
2
Check Your Work Permit Expiry Date
Determine when your current work permit expires. You can apply for a BOWP when your work permit will expire within 4 months. If you're on implied status from a previous extension application, you may also be eligible. Calculate the optimal timing to apply.
3
Gather PR Application Documentation
Collect copies of your PR application materials including your AOR letter, ITA (Invitation to Apply) if from Express Entry, provincial nomination letter if from PNP, and any other confirmation documents. Take screenshots of your PR application status showing it's in progress.
4
Prepare Work Permit Documents
Gather your current work permit, passport, proof of maintained status, and employment documentation. Prepare a digital photo meeting IRCC requirements and ensure all documents are clear and complete.
5
Create or Access Your IRCC Account
Log in to your IRCC secure account (which may be the same account you used for your PR application) or create one if needed. Navigate to the section for applying for a work permit from within Canada.
6
Complete the BOWP Application
Fill out the work permit application form through the online portal. When asked about the type of work permit, select 'Bridging Open Work Permit.' Indicate that you have a PR application in progress and provide your PR application number.
7
Upload Documents, Pay Fees, and Submit
Upload all required documents including your PR AOR, current work permit, passport, and supporting materials. Pay the $255 BOWP fee and $85 biometrics fee (if applicable). Submit your application and save the confirmation. You'll have implied status if submitted before your work permit expires.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Applying too early - You can only apply when your work permit will expire within 4 months
Not having AOR yet - You must have confirmation your PR application was received before applying for BOWP
Applying for wrong permit type - Ensure you select 'Bridging Open Work Permit,' not regular open or employer-specific
Insufficient PR documentation - Provide clear proof your PR application is in progress with AOR or equivalent
Not understanding BOWP becomes invalid if PR is refused - If your PR is denied, your BOWP also becomes invalid
Pro Tip
Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.
Costs
Extension Fees
Government fees for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) applications.
Government Fee
$255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 work permit holder fee)Biometrics
$85 CAD (if required and biometrics not previously valid)Total
$340 CAD (if biometrics required)Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bridging Open Work Permit
What makes a Bridging Open Work Permit different from a regular work permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a specific type of open work permit designed solely for people who have an active permanent residence application in process. Unlike employer-specific work permits that tie you to one employer and require an LMIA, a BOWP allows you to work for any employer in Canada (except for jobs on the restricted list). Unlike some other open work permits that have specific eligibility (like PGWP or spousal open work permits), a BOWP is only available if you have a PR application in progress. It 'bridges' the gap between your current work authorization and your permanent residence approval. Once your PR is approved, the BOWP becomes invalid as you no longer need temporary work authorization.
When should I apply for a BOWP?
You should apply for a BOWP when your current work permit will expire within 4 months AND you have already received your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for your permanent residence application. You cannot apply too early (more than 4 months before expiry) or too late (after your work permit has expired, unless you have implied status). Given that BOWP processing times are currently around 20 months, there's a strategic timing challenge: if you apply exactly 4 months before expiry, you'll likely be on implied status for well over a year. However, IRCC's rules don't allow you to apply earlier. The key is ensuring you have your PR AOR before your work permit enters that 4-month window, allowing you to apply for the BOWP as soon as you're eligible.
Can I change employers with a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Yes, one of the major benefits of a BOWP is that it's an open work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada without needing a new LMIA or work permit. You can change employers as many times as you want, work for multiple employers simultaneously, or even be self-employed (with some restrictions). However, there are a few exceptions: you cannot work in certain restricted occupations (childcare, primary/secondary education, health care unless you meet specific requirements). This flexibility is particularly valuable if your current job ends or you want to explore new opportunities while waiting for your permanent residence to be approved.
What happens to my BOWP if my PR application is refused?
If your permanent residence application is refused, your Bridging Open Work Permit automatically becomes invalid, even if it hasn't reached its expiry date. This is because the BOWP's validity is contingent on having an active PR application in progress. You must stop working immediately when your PR is refused. At this point, you would need to either leave Canada, apply for a different type of work permit (like a new employer-specific work permit with an LMIA), or explore other immigration options. If you believe your PR was wrongfully refused, you might pursue an appeal or reconsideration, but you cannot continue working on the BOWP during that process without additional authorization. This is one of the risks of relying on a BOWP - it's tied to your PR application outcome.
Can I apply for a BOWP if I'm on implied status?
Yes, you can apply for a BOWP while on implied status, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria. Implied status occurs when you applied to extend your work permit before it expired and are waiting for a decision. If you're on implied status from a work permit extension application, and your PR application has received AOR, you can apply for a BOWP. In fact, this is a common scenario: someone applies to extend their employer-specific work permit before it expires, then receives their PR AOR while waiting, and then applies for a BOWP to gain the flexibility of an open work permit while continuing to wait for both their PR and work permit decisions. However, ensure all your applications are properly submitted and you have proof of your maintained status.
Other Extension Types
Study Permit Extension
4 months (120 days) - Apply at least 3-4 months before expiry
Continue your educational journey with a seamless study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Visitor Visa Extension
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Learn More
Work Permit Extension
15 months (450 days) - Apply at least 4 months before expiry
Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?
Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.
RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC