Bridging Open Work Permit
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special category of open work permit available to foreign nationals in Canada who have submitted a complete PR application under specific economic immigration programs. This permit ensures that applicants do not face employment disruptions while awaiting a final decision on their PR status.
Unlike employer-specific work permits, a BOWP allows the holder to work for most employers across Canada, offering flexibility and stability during the transition to permanent residence.
At Kahlon Law Office, we understand that foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residence (PR) in Canada often face uncertainty regarding their ability to work while their application is being processed. A BOWP provides a crucial solution by allowing eligible applicants to continue working without the need for a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
To qualify for a BOWP, you must meet the following criteria:
A BOWP is available to applicants under the following PR programs:
You cannot apply for a BOWP if:
If you are applying for a BOWP under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must remain employed in the province or territory that nominated you. Your work permit will reflect this restriction.
The spouse or common-law partner of a BOWP holder may be eligible for an open work permit if the BOWP holder is working in an occupation classified under National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. However, dependent children are not eligible for an open work permit under a BOWP and must apply separately.
Most applications for a BOWP must be submitted online through IRCC’s portal. In exceptional cases, paper applications may be permitted.
Navigating the BOWP process can be complex, and mistakes may lead to delays or refusals. At Kahlon Law Office, our immigration lawyers have extensive experience assisting clients with seamless BOWP applications.
NO LAWYER-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP: Visiting or using this website does not establish a lawyer-client relationship between you and Kahlon Law Office. Such a relationship is only formed after we conduct a conflict-of-interest check and enter into a formal agreement with you. Please refrain from sharing any confidential or sensitive legal information through this website, as doing so does not create any legal obligations on our part.
NO LEGAL ADVICE PROVIDED: The content on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to keep the information relevant and updated, laws evolve, and the material may not always reflect the latest legal development. If you require legal advice tailored to your situation, we encourage you to seek professional legal counsel.
THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES: For your convenience, our website may contain links to external websites maintained by third parties. However, Kahlon Law Office does not control or endorse the content on these websites and assumes no responsibility for their accuracy, completeness, or reliability. Visiting such links is at your own discretion.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: Kahlon Law Office is not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of this website, reliance on its content, or any inability to access it. The information is provided "as is" without any warranties, express or implied.
CHANGES TO THE IMMIGRATION LAW: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most up-to-date legal developments.
CHANGES TO DISCLAIMER: Kahlon Law Office reserves the right to modify or update this disclaimer at any time without prior notice. It is your responsibility to review this page periodically for any changes.
Phone: +1 (647) 450-0000
Email: immlaw@akahlon.ca
Address: 200-1B Conestoga Drive, Brampton, Ontario L6Z 4N5, Canada.
POWERED AND MAINTAINED BY INTOPDIGITAL
© Kahlon Law Office 2025.