Key takeaways
- IRCC says a BOWP “lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application”
- For Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades), you must have submitted a complete PR application that passed the completeness check, and you must have your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter
- IRCC says submitting a profile to the pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence. A profile or an invitation alone is not enough
- If you are not eligible yet, IRCC says to keep your status by extending your work permit. Do not let it expire while you wait for an invitation
- If you leave Canada after your work permit expires, you cannot work until your new application is approved
- If your work permit expires before you submit your PR application, your score may drop. IRCC says to decline the invitation if your score falls below the cut-off
What a BOWP is
IRCC’s bridging open work permit page says: “A bridging open work permit (BOWP) lets you keep working while you wait for the results of your permanent residence application.”
This article covers Express Entry applicants who applied through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
Who is eligible: Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)
IRCC lists these requirements on the same page. You must:
- live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec
- have a valid work permit and valid temporary resident status, or have an expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker, or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit
- be the principal applicant
- have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check
- have your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter
IRCC adds: “Submitting a profile to the pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence.” An Express Entry profile or an Invitation to Apply (ITA) alone does not make you eligible.
If you are not eligible yet
IRCC says: “Don’t let your work permit expire while you wait for an invitation to apply. Maintain your status in Canada by extending your work permit. Your employer may need to get a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or submit a new offer of employment for you to do this.”
You cannot get a second PGWP. See our guide on moving from a study permit to PR. For how a work permit extension and maintained status work, read our post on the proof-of-work letter.
Your permit can change your Express Entry score
IRCC’s apply for permanent residence page says that if your work permit expires before you submit your PR application, your score may drop. One example is job-offer points tied to that permit. If your score falls below the cut-off, IRCC says to decline the invitation, because an application submitted anyway will be refused.
How to apply for a BOWP
IRCC says to follow the instructions to extend your stay or change the conditions of your work permit. The page lists these points:
- Select “Open work permit”.
- Pay the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
- Include the items on the document checklist and a copy of your AOR. If you apply online, upload the AOR in the “Client information” field.
- IRCC says: “In most cases, you must apply online.”
This article does not list fee amounts or the length of a BOWP. Check IRCC’s fee and BOWP pages for current figures.
Travel while IRCC processes your application
IRCC says: “You can leave Canada while we process your application. However, if you leave Canada after your work permit expires, you can’t work until your new application is approved.” For more on trips during a PR application, read our guide on travelling outside Canada while your PR application is in process.
What this means for you
- You have an Express Entry profile but no invitation: IRCC says a profile does not make you eligible. It says to extend your work permit to keep your status.
- You have an ITA but have not applied yet: a BOWP needs a submitted, complete application and an AOR. Check that your permit and your score still meet the rules.
- You have your AOR and your PGWP is expiring: you may meet the BOWP rules. Read the IRCC page for the full list.
What to do next
- Check the expiry date on your work permit.
- Read the IRCC BOWP page and compare it with your situation.
- If you are not eligible yet, ask about extending your work permit.
- Use our document checklist generator to prepare documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a BOWP with only an Express Entry profile?
No. IRCC says submitting a profile is not the same as applying for permanent residence.
Do I need an AOR?
Yes. IRCC lists the acknowledgement of receipt letter as a requirement for Express Entry applicants.
What if my work permit expires before I get an AOR?
IRCC lists an expired work permit with maintained status, or eligibility to restore status, as eligible categories. Read the IRCC page for the details.
Can I leave Canada?
Yes, but if you leave after your work permit expires, you cannot work until your new application is approved.
Sources
- IRCC: Bridging open work permit (checked October 13, 2026)
- IRCC: Apply for permanent residence (Express Entry) (checked October 13, 2026)
Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 13, 2026.
This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.
