Simply submitting an Express Entry profile does not give you the right to work in Canada. To continue working while waiting for your permanent residence (PR) approval, you must apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) before your current temporary work permit expires.
Transitioning from a temporary worker to a permanent resident is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with a stressful period of legal limbo. Many skilled applicants find themselves in a challenging situation where their current work permit is set to expire, yet their PR application is still months away from a final decision. It is a common, and sometimes costly, misconception that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will automatically extend your right to work just because you have entered the Express Entry pool.
To avoid losing your employment and your legal status in Canada, you must take proactive administrative steps. The Canadian government created the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) specifically for this scenario. This unique permit bridges the gap, allowing you to seamlessly maintain your employment, continue earning a steady income, and wait for your PR decision without fear of deportation or engaging in unauthorized work.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are working in a corporate office in Toronto, a tech firm in Ottawa, or a manufacturing plant in Edmonton, the rules for maintaining your legal work authorization apply uniformly across Canada. Here is the step-by-step process to secure your right to work.
| Feature | Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Closed (Employer-Specific) Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Restriction | None. Work for almost any employer. | Tied to one specific employer. |
| LMIA Requirement | LMIA-Exempt. | Usually requires a valid LMIA. |
| Primary Eligibility | Must have a submitted PR application. | Requires a valid job offer. |
Step 1: Submitting a Complete PR Application
You cannot apply for a BOWP just because you created an Express Entry profile. You must first receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) and formally submit your complete permanent residence application. This applies to economic programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and qualifying Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Step 2: Receiving the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Once you submit your PR application and pay the required government fees, IRCC will generate an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter. This critical document proves that your application is officially in the system and has successfully passed the initial completeness check (R10 check). You must include a copy of this AOR letter as a supporting document when applying for your bridging permit.
Step 3: Checking Your BOWP Eligibility
Before paying the fees, ensure you meet the strict eligibility criteria. You must currently reside in Canada, you must intend to live outside of Quebec (which has its own immigration system), and your current valid work permit must be expiring in the near future (typically within 4 months). If your work permit has already expired, you may have up to 90 days to restore your status, but you absolutely cannot work during the restoration waiting period.
Step 4: Applying for the Permit and Maintained Status
You must submit your BOWP application online through your secure IRCC portal. The moment you submit this application-provided you do so before your current permit expires-you are automatically granted “Maintained Status” (formerly known as implied status). This powerful legal protection allows you to keep working under the exact same conditions as your old permit until IRCC makes a final decision on the BOWP.
Step 5: Updating Your Employer and Service Canada
Once on Maintained Status, your Social Insurance Number (SIN) will technically expire on the date of your old work permit. However, Service Canada allows you to continue using your expired SIN to work and pay taxes as long as you can prove to your employer that you applied for the BOWP before the expiry date. Provide your employer with the IRCC submission confirmation letter to keep your payroll active.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Extending your temporary status requires paying processing fees directly to the federal government. Generally, obtaining a BOWP incurs the following costs:
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD.
- Total Application Cost: $255 CAD for the principal applicant.
- Biometrics: If your previous biometrics have expired (they are typically valid for 10 years), you will need to pay an $85 CAD fee to have your fingerprints and photo taken again at a Service Canada centre.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times fluctuate based on government backlogs, but as of mid-2026, processing times for a Bridging Open Work Permit submitted from inside Canada generally range between 3 to 7 months. ⏱ Fortunately, because you benefit from Maintained Status immediately upon application, this processing delay will not negatively affect your ability to earn a living. You simply wait for the physical permit to arrive in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I leave Canada while on Maintained Status?
If you leave Canada while waiting for your BOWP to be approved, you will lose your right to work upon your return. You can re-enter Canada as a visitor (if you have a valid Temporary Resident Visa or eTA), but you must stop working until the BOWP is officially approved.
Can my spouse get an open work permit too?
Yes. If you are eligible for a BOWP, your spouse or common-law partner can usually apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit to continue working in Canada alongside you.
What happens if my PR application is refused?
If your permanent residence application is refused or returned as incomplete, your pending BOWP application will also be rejected. If you already hold the physical BOWP, it will remain valid until its printed expiry date, giving you time to plan your next legal steps.
Do I need a new LMIA to get a BOWP?
No. A Bridging Open Work Permit is strictly an LMIA-exempt open permit. You do not need a specific employer to sponsor you, and you are entirely free to change jobs and work anywhere in Canada.
Can I apply if I am nominated by a province?
Yes, but there are strict conditions. If your Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination certificate has employment restrictions (meaning you must work for the specific employer who nominated you), you are not eligible for an open permit, and must apply for an employer-specific work permit instead.
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