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The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows a worker to remain in Canada while his or her permanent residency application is being reviewed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The bridging open work permit (BOWP) allows a person to continue working in Canada while his or her permanent residency application is being processed.

If a valid work permit is expected to expire within four months, in-Canada applicants who have applied for permanent residence under one of the approved economic immigration programmes may be considered for a bridging open work permit.

A foreign worker who is legally working in Canada and has applied for permanent residence through one of the following economic immigration categories may continue to work until his or her application for permanent residence is approved:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Provincial Nominee Program
  • Agri-Food Pilot Program
  • Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot