The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada allows you to keep working legally if your current work visa is expiring, provided you have already applied for Permanent Residence. As of June 2026, the application fee is $255 CAD, and you must apply online before your current status expires to benefit from “maintained status”.
Transitioning from a temporary foreign worker to a permanent resident is an exciting milestone, but navigating strict government timelines often creates significant anxiety. 🕐 If your current work visa is rapidly approaching its expiration date and you are still waiting for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to finalize your Permanent Residence (PR) application, you might worry about losing your job, your income, or even having to leave the country. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada is a specialized immigration tool designed specifically to solve this problem, acting as a vital legal lifeline for thousands of applicants.
A Bridging Open Work Permit is essentially an LMIA-exempt open work authorization that bridges the gap between your expiring temporary status and your upcoming permanent residency. Because it is categorized as an “open” permit, it generally allows you to work for almost any employer across the country, giving you incredible career flexibility. This pathway prevents talented professionals from facing forced career interruptions while dealing with unpredictable government backlogs. Many applicants find that consulting with a professional immigration lawyer helps ensure they do not miss the narrow window of opportunity to apply.
📝 It is important to note that you cannot simply apply for a BOWP just because you want to stay in the country or extend your visit. You must be the principal applicant on a formally submitted PR application under an eligible economic immigration program. These include Express Entry pathways like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), as well as various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and specific pilot programs. Most importantly, unless you qualify for specific temporary exceptions, you must have already received your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter from IRCC to prove your PR application passed the initial completeness check.
Step-by-Step BOWP Process for Applicants in Calgary, Alberta
While immigration is a federal matter handled entirely online by IRCC, applicants living and working in Calgary, Alberta, must ensure they meet both federal criteria and any specific provincial rules if they applied through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). 🏘 Navigating the system requires strict attention to detail, as applying for the wrong type of permit can lead to a direct refusal.
Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Secure Your AOR
Before applying, you must physically be inside Canada and hold a valid work permit (or be within your 90-day restoration period). The most critical document to secure first is generally your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. This official letter confirms that your PR application is complete, all documents were accepted, and it is officially in processing. Without this specific letter, your bridging permit application will typically be denied immediately. However, under a temporary facilitation measure introduced on June 9, 2026, through Operational Bulletin 699 (valid until December 31, 2026), eligible in-Canada Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants and their spouses applying for a spousal open work permit (SOWP) can apply for a BOWP without an AOR. Instead of the AOR, they can submit their PR Portal submission confirmation email along with proof that their PR application fees have been paid.
Step 2: Check Provincial Nominee Restrictions (If Applicable)
If your permanent residence application is based on a provincial nomination from Alberta, you need to examine your official nomination certificate very closely. 🔍 To qualify for an unrestricted open BOWP, your provincial nomination letter must clearly indicate that there are no employment restrictions tied to your file. If the province tied your nomination to a specific Calgary employer, you are generally not eligible for the open permit and must apply for a Bridging Closed Work Permit instead.
Step 3: Gather Documents and Fill Out Forms
Accuracy is crucial when preparing your application package. You will need to complete Form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker). You must gather supporting documents, including a high-quality scan of your current passport, a digital photo, a copy of your expiring work visa, and your AOR letter. If you have a family, you must also prepare the documents for your spouse’s open work permit application at this stage.
Step 4: Submit the Application via the IRCC Online Portal
Once all documents are double-checked, you must submit the application electronically through your IRCC secure web portal. It is highly recommended to apply well before your current permit expires. Submitting the application correctly triggers your “maintained status,” which is the legal mechanism that protects your right to work while waiting for a decision.
How Much Does it Cost?
Budgeting for your application is relatively straightforward, as the federal government sets standard fees across all provinces. 💰 As of early 2026, you are required to pay the full amount upfront when you submit your application through the IRCC portal. Missing a fee payment will result in your application being returned without processing.
- Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 CAD.
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD.
- Total Mandatory Government Cost: $255 CAD.
- Biometrics Fee (If Required): $85 CAD. However, most inland applicants who recently submitted a PR application have already provided valid biometrics that remain active for ten years.
- Professional Legal Fees: If you choose to hire an immigration lawyer from our directory to handle the paperwork, legal fees will vary based on the complexity of your case.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times for inland work permits have fluctuated significantly in recent years. 📅 According to the latest IRCC updates published in June 2026, the average processing time for work permits applied for from inside Canada (including the BOWP and general extensions) is approximately 171 days (roughly five and a half months).
Fortunately, because of the “maintained status” rule (formerly known in the industry as implied status), this wait time does not legally penalize you. As long as you successfully submit your complete BOWP application before midnight on the day your current work visa expires, you are legally authorized to continue living and working in Calgary. You must continue working under the exact same conditions of your previous permit until an IRCC officer issues a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I travel outside of Canada while waiting for my BOWP?
If you leave the country while your application is processing, you generally lose your maintained status. This means that upon returning, you may not be allowed to resume working until your new Bridging Open Work Permit is officially approved and issued. Most applicants choose to stay inside the country to keep their work authorization intact.
What happens if my PR application gets refused?
Because the BOWP is entirely dependent on your PR application, if IRCC refuses or returns your permanent residency application, your bridging work permit application will also be rejected. If you already hold a BOWP, it will remain valid until its expiry date, but it cannot be extended.
Can my spouse get an open work permit too?
Yes, spouses and common-law partners may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). However, under the updated 2026 rules, your eligibility to sponsor them often depends on your specific occupation. Generally, you must be working in a high-skilled TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job category to support your spouse’s application.
Do I need an LMIA or a job offer for a BOWP?
No. The Bridging Open Work Permit is LMIA-exempt (Exemption Code A75). Because it is an open permit, you do not need a specific job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment from an employer to apply.
When is the best time to apply for the bridging permit?
Most immigration professionals recommend applying for your BOWP when your current work permit has four months (120 days) or less remaining on its validity, provided you have your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC or qualify for the temporary PNP facilitation measures under Operational Bulletin 699.
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