Glossary · Temporary residence. Open work permit for certain people with an eligible permanent residence file in process.

BOWP

Bridging Open Work Permit

An open work permit that can keep you working while a qualifying PR file is already in process.

On the official record

• IRCC current BOWP page says a bridging open work permit lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application.
• For Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST), you must be in Canada, be the principal applicant, have valid worker status or maintained status or be eligible to restore, have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, and have the acknowledgement of receipt letter.
• Submitting a profile to the pool is not applying for permanent residence. The BOWP page says that in plain words.
• On IMM 5710, choose Open work permit. The IMM 5710 guide says if you choose Open work permit, leave the employer questions blank. Do not select a same-employer extension.

Common mix-ups

• Not a PGWP.
• Not a work permit you file before an ITA on the strength of a profile.
• Not a same-employer closed work permit.

Confirm on the official page

Start here: IRCC: Bridging open work permit for permanent residence applicants.

The catch

Usually you need the R10 AOR, not the electronic receipt. The terms PDI says the electronic receipt of the eAPR cannot support a BOWP, except Start-Up Visa. The current BOWP page does not print a two-week wait. A spouse-class page uses two weeks only for applying without an AOR in family class. Do not import that into BOWP. If the current permit still has a long validity, you may not need this yet. Travel after the BOWP is in hand if you can. Leaving after the old permit expires is how work authorization dies. A BOWP before ITA is not on the current Express Entry BOWP page. If you are still waiting for an ITA, extend the work permit you have.

What people mix up

A BOWP is not a PGWP. PGWP is for eligible graduates. BOWP is for certain people with a PR file already in process.

Related

AOR · eAPR · PGWP · Maintained status · Work permits

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