The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to legally work in Canada while waiting for your Permanent Residence application. The basic government fee is $255 CAD, which covers the standard work permit and open permit holder fees.
Waiting for your permanent residence (PR) decision can be stressful, especially if your current work visa is about to expire. 📄 A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) provides a critical lifeline for temporary residents living in Canada. Whether you are working in a bustling centre like Toronto or a smaller community in Nova Scotia, this document ensures you can maintain your employment legally. Generally, navigating the IRCC system requires careful attention to detail, so many candidates consult a local law firm to secure their status without delays.
A BOWP is highly advantageous because it is an “open” permit. 💼 This means you are not tied to a specific employer and can change jobs freely while your Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) application is processed. Most applicants in this country apply for their bridging permit online, ensuring they benefit from “maintained status” until a final decision is made by immigration officers.
Step-by-Step Process for a BOWP in Canada
Applying for a bridging permit involves a clear sequence of steps governed by federal Canadian law. Understanding this timeline ensures you do not accidentally lose your legal right to work while waiting for your PR.
Step 1: Submitting Your PR Application
Before applying for the BOWP, you must submit your complete PR application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 📧 You will then receive an official Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR). You absolutely cannot apply for a bridging permit without this foundational document, as it proves your PR application is actively in the system.
Step 2: Checking Your Current Legal Status
You must be physically present in Canada and hold a valid work permit that expires within four months. ⌛ If your work permit has already expired, you must apply for a “restoration of status” first, which involves higher fees and stricter rules. The best practice is to submit your BOWP paperwork well before your current permit expires.
Step 3: Applying via the IRCC Secure Account
Once your documents are gathered, upload them to your online IRCC portal. 💻 You will need to fill out the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710). After clicking submit, you are legally allowed to continue working under the exact same conditions of your old permit until IRCC processes the new one.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The fees for maintaining your work status are standardized federally and must be paid online during your application.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee (if required): $85 CAD.
- Total Basic Cost: Typically $255 CAD out of pocket, assuming biometrics are already on file.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times can fluctuate based on the volume of applications IRCC is handling across the country. 📅
- Online Processing: Typically takes between 3 to 5 months to receive a final decision.
- Maintained Status: You legally maintain your working rights for the entire duration of this waiting period.
- Permit Validity: Once approved, the BOWP is generally valid for 12 to 24 months, giving ample time for PR finalization.
| Permit Feature | Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Closed (Employer-Specific) Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Flexibility | Can work for almost any employer in Canada. | Tied to one specific employer. |
| Job Offer Required | No LMIA or job offer needed. | Requires an LMIA or LMIA-exempt job offer. |
| PR Dependency | Must have a PR application in process. | Independent of PR application status. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel outside Canada while on maintained status?
If you leave Canada while waiting for your BOWP, you will lose your right to work until the new permit is officially approved. You may re-enter as a visitor, but you must stop working immediately upon return.
Does a PNP applicant qualify for a BOWP?
Yes, but your provincial nomination certificate must not have employment restrictions. If your nomination is tied to a specific employer, you cannot apply for an open bridging permit.
What happens if my PR application is refused?
If your permanent residence application is officially refused by IRCC, your Bridging Open Work Permit will still remain valid until its expiration date. However, you will not be able to renew it.
Should I hire a lawyer to apply?
While not legally required, hiring a Canadian law firm ensures your forms are filled out perfectly. A minor mistake on form IMM 5710 can result in a returned application and the loss of your maintained status.
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