A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while waiting for the outcome of your permanent residence application.You may qualify for a BOWP if you’ve applied for one of the following permanent residence programs:
If You Applied Through Express Entry:
These instructions apply to those who’ve applied for permanent residence through:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Who Can Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
You are eligible to apply for a BOWP if you meet the following criteria:
You reside in Canada (and plan to live outside Quebec) when applying for the BOWP.
You can leave Canada while your application is being processed, but if your work permit expires while you’re outside Canada, you cannot work until the new permit is approved.
You must either:
Hold a valid work permit
Have an expired work permit but have maintained worker status
Be eligible to restore your status and obtain a work permit
Be the primary applicant for your permanent residence application
Have submitted a complete permanent residence application that has passed the completeness check
Have received an acknowledgment of receipt letter
Note: Submitting an Express Entry profile does not count as applying for permanent residence. Ensure you understand how Express Entry works.h3>If You’re Not Yet Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)If your work permit is about to expire and you’re waiting for an invitation to apply, make sure to extend your work permit to maintain your status in Canada. Your employer may need to obtain a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or submit a new job offer for this process.
General Document Checklist for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Required Documents for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) for Permanent Residence ApplicantsWhen submitting your BOWP application, include the following:
Documents listed in the document checklist
A copy of your acknowledgment of receipt letter, which we send to your account after receiving your permanent residence application.
Supporting Documents for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) If You Applied for the Provincial Nominee Program via Express Entry
When submitting your BOWP application, you must include:
All the supporting documents listed in the document checklist
A copy of your nomination letter
A copy of your acknowledgment of receipt letter
Note: For Non-Express Entry additional requirement is that you have no employment restrictions as a condition of your nomination
Supporting Documents for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) If you applied for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
When submitting your BOWP application, make sure to include:
All the supporting documents specified in the document checklist
A copy of the letter we send you once your permanent residence application is approved in principle
Supporting Documents for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) If you applied for the caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
You must have submitted a complete permanent residence application before the program closure on June 18, 2019. When submitting your BOWP application, make sure to include:
The supporting documents outlined in the document checklist
A copy of the letter we send you after your permanent residence application is approved in principle
Supporting Documents for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)If you applied for the Agri-Food Pilot
When submitting your BOWP application, ensure you include:
The supporting documents listed in the document checklist
A copy of the letter we send you after your permanent residence application receives approval in principle (approval in principle letter)
