1. Core BOWP Statutory Eligibility Checklist
To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit under current IRCC operational guidelines, an applicant must satisfy all core criteria at the time of application.
Key Framework Highlights:
- Residence Requirement: You must live in Canada at the time you submit your BOWP application.
- Principal Applicant Status: You must be the principal applicant on a qualifying economic permanent residence application that has passed the required milestone.
- Qualifying PR Milestone: You must hold the milestone required for your stream (e.g., e-APR AOR for Express Entry, AOR + eligibility passed for non-EE PNP, valid CSQ + 'E' app number for Quebec, or Approval in Principle for Agri-Food/Caregivers).
- Temporary Resident Status: You must have valid temporary resident/work status, have applied to extend before expiry (maintained status), or be eligible to restore your status within 90 days.
Action Checklist:
- Confirm you are the Principal Applicant on a qualifying economic PR application
- Confirm you hold the required PR milestone document (AOR letter, AIP letter, or CSQ confirmation)
- Verify your provincial nomination certificate has NO employment restrictions (if applying under PNP)
2. Eligible vs Ineligible Work Permit Holders Matrix
Evaluation of current temporary status holders transitioning to a BOWP.
| Current Work Permit / Status | BOWP Eligible? | Specific Conditions & Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | YES | Eligible with qualifying PR milestone (e.g., Express Entry e-APR AOR) |
| Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | YES | Eligible as principal applicant on a qualifying PR application |
| LMIA Employer-Specific Closed Permit | YES | Can transition from closed permit to open BOWP once PR milestone is met |
| IEC Working Holiday / Young Professionals | YES | Eligible if PR application submitted and required milestone received |
| PNP with 'Employment Restrictions: YES' | NO | Ineligible for BOWP; must apply for an employer-specific closed work permit |
| 2025 Home Care Worker Pilots | NO | IRCC explicitly states 2025 pilot applicants are ineligible for a BOWP |
| Expired Status (>90 Days Past Expiry) | NO | Ineligible; must leave Canada (restoration window has closed) |
| Visitor Status without Prior Work Permit | NO | Ineligible; BOWP requires valid temporary work authorization or restoration eligibility |
3. Maintained Status & Travel Regulations (IRPR § 186(u))
Working legally while awaiting an IRCC decision on your BOWP.
Key Framework Highlights:
- Maintained Status Rights: Under Section 186(u) of the IRPR, if you apply to extend your work permit before it expires and stay in Canada, you can continue working under existing terms while IRCC processes your file.
- Travel Advisory: You may leave Canada while your application is processed, but if you leave after your current work permit expires, you will not be authorized to work upon return until your new BOWP is approved.
- PNP Status Mandate: PNP applicants must maintain valid temporary resident status in Canada when IRCC makes the final decision on the BOWP application.
TRAVEL NOTICE: Leaving Canada after your work permit expires means you cannot resume working upon re-entry until your new permit is formally approved.
4. Step-by-Step Eligibility Verification Workflow
Checking and assembling your documents before submitting to IRCC.
Action Checklist:
- Download and inspect your official PR milestone letter (AOR, AIP, or CSQ verification)
- Confirm whether your provincial nomination contains any employer restrictions
- Submit the online work permit application through your IRCC Secure Account and pay the $255 CAD fee
Frequently Asked Questions
If your work permit has expired, you can apply for a BOWP concurrently with an application for Restoration of Temporary Resident Status within 90 days of expiry. Note that you are not authorized to work while the restoration application is pending.
For Express Entry applicants, IRCC's Help Centre notes that your existing work permit should expire within 4 months or less. The dedicated BOWP eligibility page requires that you live in Canada with valid temporary resident status, have applied to extend before expiry, or be eligible for status restoration.
Yes, standard BOWP holders can work for any employer in Canada. However, PNP nominees must have no employer restrictions on their nomination and remain subject to provincial nomination conditions.
No. Under IRCC guidelines, applicants under the Home Care Worker Immigration pilots opened in 2025 are strictly ineligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit.
BOWP validity is determined by IRCC based on the applicant's specific permanent residence stream, passport validity, and applicable operational instructions.
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BOWP Check Metrics
- Permit TypeOpen Work Permit (Subject to nomination terms)
- Eligible PR StreamsCEC, FSWP, FSTP, PNP, QSW, Agri-Food, 2019-2024 Caregivers
- Residence RuleMust live in Canada at time of application
- Standard Fee$255 CAD ($155 Processing + $100 Open Fee)
Related Work Permit Tools
Need IRCC Filing Assistance?
Always verify your LMIA exemption code and employer compliance filings directly on the official IRCC Employer Portal.
Official IRCC Work Permit Portal →