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- A BOWP is intended for eligible permanent residence applicants with an expiring work permit who need to keep working while their application is processed.<\/li>\n
- The permanent residence program matters. Express Entry and provincial nominee applicants are among the groups identified by IRCC, alongside several other listed pathways.<\/li>\n
- A BOWP is not automatic after submitting a permanent residence application.<\/li>\n
- An open work permit generally allows work for any employer, but restrictions and the specific permit category must still be checked.<\/li>\n
- Review your pathway, application evidence, permit expiry and any refusal or status issue early enough to identify gaps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What is a bridging open work permit?<\/h2>\n
A BOWP is a work permit option for certain permanent residence applicants. Its purpose is to bridge the period between the expiry of a current work permit and a decision on the permanent residence application. IRCC describes it as a way for eligible applicants to keep working while waiting for that decision. IRCC\u2019s current BOWP instructions<\/a> should be treated as the controlling source when you apply.<\/p>\n
The word \u201celigible\u201d is important. A BOWP is not permanent residence approval, an automatic extension of every work permit or a guarantee that you can continue working in every circumstance. You must determine whether your permanent residence program and application situation meet the applicable IRCC requirements.<\/p>\n
Which permanent residence pathways may be relevant?<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nThe following categories are useful starting points for screening. Inclusion in the table does not mean every applicant in that category qualifies. Confirm the current instructions and the status of your specific application.<\/p>\n
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\n \nPathway or category<\/th>\n What to verify<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Express Entry<\/td>\n Confirm the exact permanent residence program, the application submitted and evidence showing its current stage.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Provincial nominee programs<\/td>\n Confirm the applicable nomination route and whether your federal application meets the relevant instructions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Quebec skilled workers<\/td>\n Verify the Quebec-specific pathway and the federal requirements that apply to your application.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Certain caregiver programs<\/td>\n Identify the exact caregiver pathway. Do not assume every caregiver program or pilot creates BOWP eligibility.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Agri-Food Pilot<\/td>\n Confirm that your application falls within the current program rules and BOWP instructions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Quebec investors<\/td>\n Check the specific investor pathway, application stage and current IRCC conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n These categories are identified in IRCC\u2019s current BOWP information. They are not a substitute for an assessment, especially where a program has changed, closed to new applications or includes special requirements.<\/p>\n
The eligibility facts you need to verify<\/h2>\n
1. Identify the exact permanent residence stream<\/h3>\n
Start with the name of the permanent residence program, not a broad description such as \u201ceconomic immigration\u201d or \u201ccaregiver application.\u201d Similar-sounding pathways can have different rules. Record the program, application date and any confirmation or correspondence you received.<\/p>\n
2. Confirm what has actually been submitted<\/h3>\n
A plan to apply, an invitation, a nomination or an incomplete draft is not necessarily the same as a submitted application. Gather proof of submission and messages confirming how IRCC received it. A returned, rejected or refused application may change the assessment.<\/p>\n
3. Review the application stage<\/h3>\n
Determine whether the application is in processing, whether IRCC has requested information and whether a decision has already been issued. A BOWP is connected to the application\u2019s actual status, not simply to an intention to apply.<\/p>\n
4. Record your current work permit details<\/h3>\n
Note the permit type, expiry date, printed conditions and whether your employment has changed. IRCC describes BOWPs as relevant to permanent residence applicants with an expiring work permit. That does not mean every expiring permit holder qualifies, but it explains why permit timing is central to the review. IRCC\u2019s information for permanent residence applicants with work permits<\/a> provides broader context.<\/p>\n
5. Look for status complications<\/h3>\n
Refusals, an incomplete application, uncertainty about maintained status, a gap in authorization or a possible restoration issue can make the situation more complex. Do not assume that a BOWP application resolves an earlier status problem.<\/p>\n
BOWP versus other open work permits<\/h2>\n
A BOWP is one type of open work permit, but not every open work permit is a BOWP. A BOWP is connected to an eligible permanent residence application. Other open work permits may arise from a family relationship, public policy, temporary status or another immigration category.<\/p>\n
Generally, an open work permit allows work for any employer, subject to IRCC restrictions. It does not normally require a job offer, but the exact permit conditions control what you may do. Read your permit and the instructions for the category you are applying under. IRCC\u2019s overview of open work permits<\/a> explains the general concept and restrictions.<\/p>\n