Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
You did everything right. You received your invitation, submitted your permanent residence application and passed the completeness check. Then you notice your work permit expires in two months, while your PR decision may take far longer. This is exactly the gap the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) was designed to fill.
This guide explains who qualifies for a bridging open work permit in Canada in 2026, which permanent residence programs are eligible, when to apply, what it costs, and the mistakes that most often lead to refusals.
Quick Summary
A bridging open work permit lets eligible economic PR applicants keep working in Canada while IRCC finishes their permanent residence application. You must be in Canada, be the principal applicant in an eligible program such as Express Entry or a provincial nominee program, have reached the required stage of your PR application, and hold valid work authorization, be on maintained status or be eligible to restore your status as a worker. Government fees total $255.
What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A BOWP is an open work permit for people already working in Canada who have applied for permanent residence. It “bridges” the gap between the expiry of your current work permit and a final decision on your PR application. Because it is open, you can generally work for any employer, subject to conditions such as provincial restrictions for some nominee applicants.
Eligible Permanent Residence Programs
| Program | BOWP generally available? |
|---|---|
| Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) | Yes |
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry) | Yes |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry) | Yes |
| Provincial Nominee Program (Express Entry or base) | Yes, with conditions |
| Quebec skilled worker programs | Yes, with conditions |
| Certain caregiver and agri-food pathways | Yes, with conditions |
| Family class sponsorship | No (sponsored spouses use a different open work permit) |
| Atlantic Immigration Program and community pilots | Generally no; these programs use their own work permit options |
Core BOWP Requirements
- You are physically in Canada.
- You are the principal applicant for an eligible permanent residence program.
- You hold a valid work permit, are on maintained status, or your work permit expired and you are eligible to restore your status as a worker.
- Your PR application has reached the required stage. For Express Entry applicants, this usually means your application has passed the completeness check and you received an acknowledgement of receipt.
- For provincial nominee applicants, your nomination must not restrict your employment in a way that conflicts with an open permit.
When Should You Apply?
Apply as soon as you become eligible and well before your current work permit expires. If you apply before your permit expires and stay in Canada, you can generally continue working under maintained status while IRCC processes the BOWP. Waiting until the last week leaves no room for errors.
Have questions about your work permit options?
Book a ConsultationFees and Documents
The government fees for a BOWP are $255: a $155 work permit processing fee and a $100 open work permit holder fee. Typical documents include:
- Your acknowledgement of receipt for your PR application.
- A copy of your current work permit and passport.
- Proof of current employment, if relevant.
- Your provincial nomination certificate, if you are a nominee applicant.
- A recent digital photo and any other documents IRCC requests.
What About Your Spouse and Children?
A BOWP covers only the principal applicant. Your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for a spousal open work permit, but since January 21, 2025, that generally requires the principal worker to be in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or an eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation in a priority sector, with at least 16 months of permit validity remaining. Dependent children generally no longer qualify for open work permits based on a parent’s work permit. Get advice before your family’s permits expire.
Common BOWP Refusal Reasons
- Applying before your PR application reached the required stage.
- Applying after your status expired without requesting restoration.
- Being a dependant rather than the principal applicant.
- Applying under a program that is not BOWP-eligible.
- Submitting the wrong acknowledgement document.
Need help preparing a strong application?
Get a Personalized AssessmentBOWP Renewals
If your PR application is still in process when your BOWP is about to expire, you may be able to apply for a new BOWP, as long as you continue to meet the requirements. Track your expiry date and apply early.
How Can X Global Solutions Helps
At Can X Global Solutions, we track our clients’ permit expiry dates against their PR timelines so bridging permits are filed at the right moment. With 10+ years of experience and clients from more than 30 countries, we have helped many families keep working without interruption while PR applications finish.
Explore our Bridging Open Work Permit services, Express Entry support and Provincial Nominee Program services, or get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a bridging open work permit in 2026?
Principal applicants in eligible economic programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and provincial nominee programs, who are in Canada and have valid work authorization, maintained status or restoration eligibility. Their PR application must have reached the required stage, such as passing the completeness check for Express Entry.
How much does a bridging open work permit cost?
Government fees total $255, made up of the $155 work permit processing fee and the $100 open work permit holder fee. Biometrics may be required in some cases. Check IRCC’s current fee list before paying, because incorrect payment can delay your application.
Can my spouse get a work permit if I have a BOWP?
Possibly, but not automatically. Since January 21, 2025, spouses generally qualify for a spousal open work permit only if the principal worker is in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or an eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation in a priority sector, with at least 16 months left on their work permit.
Can I apply for a BOWP if my work permit already expired?
Generally, you need a valid work permit or maintained status. If your work permit expired recently and you are eligible to restore your status as a worker, you may be able to apply for a BOWP together with restoration, which involves an additional fee. Act quickly, because restoration has strict time limits.
How This Guide Helps You
Losing the right to work while waiting for permanent residence can disrupt careers, finances and families. This guide helps applicants understand exactly when and how to apply for a bridging open work permit, what their family members can do, and how to avoid refusals. With careful timing, readers can keep working without a gap until their PR is approved.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer for guidance specific to your situation.
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