For skilled workers in Canada, the period between applying for permanent residence (PR) and receiving a decision can take time. If a work permit is approaching expiry before a final PR decision, this can create uncertainty for both applicants and employers. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada 2025 is intended to address this, allowing eligible applicants to continue working while their PR application is in progress.
What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
The Bridging Open Work Permit is an open work permit available to certain applicants who are physically in Canada and have submitted a complete PR application under an eligible program. It allows them to continue working legally while their application is being processed. The BOWP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and is not employer-specific, providing flexibility during the transition to permanent residence.
Who Is Eligible for BOWP Canada 2025?
You may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if all of the following apply:
- You are physically present in Canada.
- You are the principal applicant of a PR application under one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), once any employer restrictions have been removed
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (with a valid CSQ)
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Caregiver Pilots (Home Child-Care Provider, Home Support Worker)
- Caring for Children / People with High Medical Needs (legacy programs)
- Your PR application has passed the completeness check (you have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt).
- You hold valid temporary resident status, or you are eligible to restore your status, at the time you apply for the BOWP.
When Should You Apply?
Timing is an important consideration. You may apply for a BOWP only after IRCC has confirmed your PR application is complete. Applying before the completeness check may result in refusal of the BOWP application. On the other hand, applying too late — after your current work permit has expired — could lead to loss of status or work authorization. To maintain continuity, it is important to carefully track both your current permit expiry and your PR application status.
What Are the Benefits of the BOWP?
The Bridging Open Work Permit is not employer-restricted and does not require an LMIA. This means you may continue working for your current employer or change employers if needed, providing more flexibility while awaiting your PR decision.
Important Considerations for Spouses
Spouses and common-law partners are not automatically included in a BOWP. However, if you hold a BOWP and are working in an eligible occupation (NOC 0, A, or B), your spouse may be able to apply separately for an open work permit as the spouse of a skilled worker. If you are also sponsoring your spouse under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SCLPC), they may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). Choosing the correct work permit pathway is important for maintaining status and work eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting a BOWP application too early, applying without a valid Acknowledgment of Receipt, or omitting required documents can lead to delays or refusals. Likewise, not applying before the expiry of current status may result in unintended loss of status or work authorization. Careful preparation can help avoid unnecessary stress during this critical stage of the PR process.
At Cverse Immigration, we assist clients in preparing accurate and well-timed Bridging Open Work Permit applications. We ensure that eligibility is clearly established, documents are complete, and timing aligns with your PR process. Our goal is to help you maintain legal work status and minimize risks while you move forward toward permanent residence.
If you would like guidance on applying for a BOWP Canada in 2025 or related work permits, book a consultation with one of our licensed Canadian Immigration Consultants today.
