Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada: Who Is Eligible and How to Apply

If your Canadian work permit is expiring while your permanent residence (PR) application is still in process, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can allow you to continue working legally in Canada without being tied to a specific employer.

In 2026, the BOWP remains a critical option for many PR applicants—but eligibility rules are strict, and mistakes can lead to refusal or loss of status.

This guide explains who is eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada and how to apply successfully.

1. What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A BOWP is an open work permit that “bridges” the gap between:

• The expiry of your current work permit, and
• The final decision on your PR application

It allows you to:

• Work for any employer in Canada
• Maintain legal status
• Avoid interruptions to employment and income

2. Who Is Eligible for a BOWP in Canada?

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet all of the following conditions:

✅ You Are in Canada

You must be physically present in Canada at the time of application.

✅ You Hold a Valid Work Permit

Your current work permit must be:

• Valid at the time of application, or
• Eligible for restoration (in limited cases)

✅ Your Work Permit Is Expiring Soon

Generally, your permit must expire within 4 months (120 days).

✅ You Have Applied for Permanent Residence

Your PR application must be submitted under an eligible program, such as:

• Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FSTP)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP – non-employer-restricted)
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Home Child Care Provider / Home Support Worker pilots
• Certain other economic PR streams

You must have received Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming your PR application is in process.

3. Who Is NOT Eligible for a BOWP?

You are not eligible if:

• Your PR application is incomplete or returned
• You applied under a non-eligible PR category
• Your PNP nomination is employer-restricted (unless exempt)
• You are outside Canada
• You have no valid status and are not eligible for restoration

Applying when ineligible often leads to refusal and loss of status.

4. How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure:

• You have a valid PR AOR
• Your work permit expires within 4 months

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Typical documents include:

• Passport
• Current work permit
• PR AOR letter
• Proof of PR category eligibility
• Completed application forms
• Government processing fees

Accuracy and consistency are essential.

Step 3: Submit the Application Online

BOWP applications are submitted through IRCC’s online portal.

If submitted before your permit expires, you may benefit from maintained status, allowing you to keep working under the same conditions while awaiting a decision.

5. Processing Times for BOWP (2026)

Average processing times:

• 2–4 months, depending on volume and complexity

Delays can occur if:

• Documents are missing
• Eligibility is unclear
• IRCC requests additional information

6. Common Reasons BOWP Applications Are Refused

• PR application not eligible
• Incorrect PR category selected
• Missing AOR or expired documents
• Work permit already expired without restoration
• Inconsistent information

A refusal can leave you out of status and unable to work.

7. Can a BOWP Lead to Permanent Residence?

A BOWP itself does not grant PR—but it:

• Allows you to remain employed
• Helps you maintain eligibility for PR
• Prevents gaps that could negatively affect your application

Maintaining lawful status is critical to PR success.

8. Why Legal Guidance Matters in 2026

IRCC applies:

• Strict eligibility interpretation
• Detailed review of PR categories
• Zero tolerance for incorrect filings

Applying incorrectly can jeopardize both your work status and PR application.

How Mann Law Can Help

Bridging Open Work Permit applications are time-sensitive and technical.
Mann Law assists clients with:

• BOWP eligibility assessment
• Work permit extensions and restorations
• PR-linked work permit strategies
• Refusals and judicial review
• Long-term planning toward permanent residence

• No Solicitor-Client Relationship: Use of this website or email links does not create an Lawyer-client relationship between you and Mann Law.
• Not Legal Advice: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice.
• Accuracy: While we strive to provide accurate information, the law changes rapidly, and we cannot guarantee that all information provided is current or applicable to your specific situation.

Inadmissibility to Canada Explained: Criminal, Medical & Misrepresentation Grounds

Being found inadmissible to Canada can stop an immigration application immediately—whether it is for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residence. Many applicants are refused without fully understanding why or whether the issue can be resolved.

This guide explains what inadmissibility means under Canadian immigration law, the three most common grounds—criminal, medical, and misrepresentation, and what legal options may still be available.

1. What Does “Inadmissible to Canada” Mean?

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a person may be found inadmissible if they pose a risk to:

• Public safety
• Public health
• The integrity of Canada’s immigration system

A finding of inadmissibility can result in:

• Visa or PR refusal
• Entry denial at the border
• Removal orders
• Multi-year bans from applying

Inadmissibility applies to temporary and permanent immigration applications.

2. Criminal Inadmissibility to Canada

Criminal inadmissibility is one of the most common refusal grounds, even for applicants with minor or old offences.

🔹 What Triggers Criminal Inadmissibility?

• DUI / impaired driving
• Theft, assault, or fraud
• Drug-related offences
• Charges outside Canada that would be crimes under Canadian law

Even one conviction can be enough.

🔹 Important Points Many Applicants Miss

• Canadian law evaluates foreign offences as if they occurred in Canada
• Expunged or pardoned records abroad may still count
• Charges do not need to be recent

🔹 Possible Legal Solutions

Depending on the situation, options may include:

• Criminal rehabilitation
• Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
• Legal analysis disputing equivalency

Each case requires careful legal assessment.

3. Medical Inadmissibility to Canada

Medical inadmissibility applies when an applicant’s health condition is believed to:

• Pose a danger to public health or safety, or
• Cause excessive demand on Canada’s health or social services

🔹 Common Medical Issues Involved

• Chronic medical conditions
• Certain mental health diagnoses
• Conditions requiring long-term care or costly treatment

🔹 Excessive Demand Explained

An applicant may be refused if projected healthcare or social service costs exceed government thresholds.

However, not all applicants are subject to excessive demand rules, and refusals can sometimes be challenged.

🔹 Legal Options

• Responding to a procedural fairness letter
• Submitting mitigation plans
• Judicial review where assessments are flawed

Medical inadmissibility decisions are often technical and contestable.

4. Misrepresentation: The Most Serious Inadmissibility Ground

Misrepresentation occurs when an applicant:

• Provides false information
• Omits relevant facts
• Submits misleading documents

⚠️ Intent does not matter—even honest mistakes can trigger misrepresentation.

🔹 Common Misrepresentation Examples

• Failing to disclose prior visa refusals
• Incorrect employment or education history
• Inconsistent information across applications
• Using inaccurate documents prepared by agents

🔹 Consequences of Misrepresentation

• Immediate refusal
• Five-year ban from applying to Canada
• Refusal of all future applications during the ban period

Misrepresentation findings have long-term consequences.

5. Can Inadmissibility Be Challenged or Fixed?

Yes—depending on the ground and circumstances, legal options may include:

• Responding to procedural fairness letters
• Reapplying with corrected disclosures
• Applying for rehabilitation or permits
• Judicial review in Federal Court

Strict deadlines apply, especially for court challenges.

6. Why Inadmissibility Cases Require Legal Strategy

Inadmissibility findings are:

• Highly discretionary
• Evidence-driven
• Often misunderstood by applicants

Attempting to resolve them without legal advice can lead to:

• Repeat refusals
• Permanent bans
• Damage to future PR or citizenship plans

How Mann Law Can Help

Inadmissibility cases are among the most complex areas of immigration law.
Mann Law assists clients with:

• Criminal inadmissibility assessments
• Medical inadmissibility responses
• Misrepresentation defense strategies
• Procedural fairness letters
• Federal Court judicial reviews
•  

• No Solicitor-Client Relationship: Use of this website or email links does not create an Lawyer-client relationship between you and Mann Law.
• Not Legal Advice: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice.
• Accuracy: While we strive to provide accurate information, the law changes rapidly, and we cannot guarantee that all information provided is current or applicable to your specific situation.