Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Guide and Processing Time
If you’re currently working in Canada and waiting for the decision on your permanent residency (PR) application, you may be concerned about what will happen when your current work permit is about to expire.
That’s where the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) comes in.
A bridging open work permit lets you stay in Canada and keep working legally while you wait for your PR application to be processed. It’s called a “bridging” permit because it helps you bridge the gap between your current temporary work status and your future permanent resident status.
The best part? It’s an open work permit. That means you’re free to work for any employer, in any location, and in any job in Canada. You don’t have to stick with your existing employer or secure a new job offer. It provides the flexibility and peace of mind as your immigration status is finalized.
Who Can Apply for a BOWP?
In order to be eligible for a bridging work permit, you have to qualify by:
– You’re in Canada
This one’s only available to individuals currently living and working in Canada.
– You have legal temporary resident status.
This consists of:
Having a valid work permit
Being on maintained status (you’ve applied to extend your permit before it expired)
Being eligible to restore your status and apply for a new permit
– You’ve submitted an application for permanent residence.
You must be the main applicant and have submitted a PR application under one of the following programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – as long as your nomination isn’t employer-restricted
Agri-Food Pilot
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Caring for children or people with high medical needs (if applied before June 18, 2019)
– Your first review PR application has been accepted.
You need to have received either:
An Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) – which confirms that your application has passed the R10 completeness check, or
An Approval in Principle (AIP) – a positive review that shows you’re eligible
When Can I Apply for a Bridging Work Permit?
You can submit an application for a bridging open work permit after you have applied for your PR and been issued the AOR or AIP.
A variety of immigration applications send out the AOR in varying time intervals. Some are sent immediately, and others require a few months or weeks to receive it. It’s important not to apply for the BOWP too early, your PR application must reach the proper processing stage first.
How Long Is a BOWP Valid?
Most BOWPs are valid for 24 months. That means you have a maximum of two years to keep working in Canada while your permanent resident application is processed.
If the PR process will take more than 24 months, you might be able to renew your BOWP for an additional 12 months.
But here’s the big tip: your BOWP will not be issued after your passport expiry date. So if your passport expires soon, maybe renew it prior to applying.
Also Read: PR Card Renewal- Eligibility, Process and Payment.
Bridging Open Work Permit Processing Time
So how long does it take to get a bridging open work permit?
As of 2025, the processing time for the average bridging open work permit is 3 to 4 months. So, you need to plan in advance and apply early, particularly if your current work permit is set to expire soon.
If you apply prior to the expiry of your permit, you’ll be on maintained status, so you can legally continue working while waiting for your bridging work permit to be approved.
But if your BOWP is refused for any reason, you’ll need to quit working immediately. That’s why it’s really, really important to ensure you’re eligible before you apply.
How to Apply for a Bridging Work Permit
You need to apply online using your myCIC account (the IRCC online portal). Here’s a quick rundown:
Log in to your myCIC account
Choose “Apply to come to Canada”
Fill in the questions to get a personalized checklist
Upload the required documents:
A copy of your current work permit
Proof of your PR application
The Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) or Approval in Principle (AIP) – upload this in the “Client Information” section
A valid passport
A digital photo
Any other supporting documents the system asks for
Pay the application fees and submit
Once your application is in, keep checking your account and email for updates.
Final Thoughts — Need Help?
The bridging open work permit is an excellent way to keep things going in your life while your permanent residence is under consideration. It lets you keep working, earning, and living in Canada without any hurdles.
However, the process can seem a little confusing, particularly if it’s the first time you’re handling Canadian immigration. That’s why we’re here.
At New Jain Immigration, we’re experts at helping individuals like you in applying for work permits, permanent residency, and everything in between. Whether you have a question regarding your BOWP, bridging work permit processing time, or any other immigration-related question, we’ve got you covered.
Reach out to us today to talk with our experienced team and get the expert help you need to move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
It’s an open work permit that allows you to continue working in Canada while your permanent residency is being processed.
2. Who can apply for a BOWP?
You must be in Canada with valid status and have submitted a PR application under an eligible program like Express Entry or PNP.
3. How long is the bridging work permit valid?
Most BOWPs are issued for 24 months, but they will not be issued past the expiration date of your passport.
4. What is the current processing time for bridging open work permits?
As of 2025, it usually takes between 3 to 4 months to process.
5. Can I keep working if my permit expires while waiting for a BOWP?
Yes, as long as you applied before your permit expired, you can work under maintained status.
