If you have already applied for permanent residence in Canada and your current work permit is going to expire soon, a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) may help you keep working while you wait for a decision. This permit can be a very helpful option because it gives eligible applicants the chance to remain employed without having to wait for their permanent residence application to be finalized.
At Immivara Immigration Consulting, we help clients understand whether they qualify, when to apply, and how to prepare a clear and complete application.
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Permanent residency applications can take a while. A Bridging Open Work Permit is an open work permit that may allow eligible applicants to keep working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. It is called “bridging” because it helps bridge the gap between your current work permit and your future PR status. Since it is an open work permit, it is usually not tied to one employer, which gives you more flexibility.
A BOWP is often used by people who are in Canada already and have a PR application in progress through an eligible stream. It can help reduce stress and avoid interruptions in employment while you wait for IRCC’s decision.
Key things to know about BOWP:
- You must have an eligible permanent residence application already submitted.
- Your application must usually have passed the stage that makes you eligible to apply for a BOWP. This usually means having an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter.
- You must be in Canada and hold a valid status, or apply before your current status expires if eligible.
- The BOWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for most employers.
- Timing matters — applying too early or too late can create problems.
We help clients understand the timing, eligibility, and document requirements so they feel more confident about the process.
Why a BOWP can be helpful
A Bridging Open Work Permit can be especially helpful because it may allow you to:
- Keep working without interruption.
- Stay employed while waiting for your PR decision.
- Avoid the stress of losing work status during a long processing period.
- Maintain flexibility if your employment situation changes.
For many clients, this is a very important step because it helps protect both their income and their immigration plans.
Who this service is for
This service is for:
- People who have already submitted an eligible permanent residence application.
- Applicants whose current work permit is about to expire.
- Workers who want to avoid a gap in their employment while waiting for PR.
- People who want clear support with the BOWP process and timeline.
What help we provide
When we work together on a BOWP application, you can expect:
- A clear review of whether they may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
- Help understanding the connection between their permanent residence application and their current work status.
- Guidance on timing, especially if their current work permit is close to expiring.
- Review of the forms and supporting documents to help reduce errors.
How it works:
- We review your PR application: We look at your permanent residence pathway and confirm whether it appears to meet the BOWP rules.
- We check your current status: We can help you understand when your current work permit expires and what timing matters for your BOWP application.
- We prepare the documents: Together, we organize the required forms and supporting documents so your application is complete and clear.
- We submit the application: Once everything is ready, we will help you move forward with confidence while your PR application continues to be processed.
If your work permit is expiring and your permanent residence application is already in progress, a Bridging Open Work Permit may be the next step. Book a consultation and let’s review your situation together.