Validity: A Bridging Open Work Permit is typically valid for up to 24 months or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. You may be eligible for an extension if your permanent residency application is still being processed.

Extension: If your BOWP expires before your PR application is approved, IRCC may issue extensions in 12-month increments.

There are 3 fees involved with a BOWP application:

• The work permit fee of $155
• The open work permit fee of $100
• The biometrics fee of $85, applicable to those who have not submitted biometrics for a temporary application within the past ten years

Common Reasons for BOWP Refusal:

1. Ineligibility to Apply: The applicant either didn’t have a PR application in process or applied for a BOWP before their PR application reached the required processing stage.
2. Incomplete PR Application: The PR application was rejected for being incomplete.

• PNP Applicants: Limited to working in the nominating province.
• Quebec Applicants (QSWC): Restricted to employment within Quebec.
• General Rule: Most open work permits allow working for any employer, but location limits apply in these cases.

Bridging open work permits are typically valid for 24 months. If your permanent residence application takes longer to process, extensions may be granted for up to 12 months. However, a BOWP cannot be issued past the expiration date of your passport.

If a BOWP holder is working in a skilled occupation in Canada, their spouse can apply for an open work permit, and dependent children can join them by applying for a visitor record.

• Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter
• Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) (if applicable)
• Signed employment contract (if live-in caregiver)
• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Valid copy of your passport
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees