The three things that let you keep working
First, a work permit that is still valid. Second, maintained status: if you apply to extend or change your work permit before it expires, IRCC says you can legally stay and keep working under the same conditions while it processes the application. Third, a bridging open work permit, which exists specifically for people waiting on permanent residence. Sources: IRCC's extend your work permit and bridging open work permit pages.
The gap to avoid
Who can get a bridging open work permit
For Express Entry applicants, IRCC lists these conditions. You must:
- live in Canada when you apply for the BOWP, and intend to live outside Quebec;
- have a valid work permit, an expired work permit with maintained status, or be eligible to restore your status;
- be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application;
- have submitted a complete permanent residence application that passed the completeness check;
- have your acknowledgement of receipt letter.
The BOWP page covers these permanent residence programmes:
- Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades
- Provincial Nominee Program, through Express Entry or not
- Quebec skilled workers and Quebec investors
- The caregiver classes and the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker pilots
- The Agri-Food Pilot
The Atlantic Immigration Program is not on that list. If you are applying through it, check its own work permit options rather than assuming a BOWP is available.
The routes this applies to
Most people asking this question are on the Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, which is built for people already working in Canada and is recorded at 3–6 months. These are the Canadian routes in Transita's catalogue that are open and lead to permanent residence.
| Programme | Type | Gov. fee | Salary or income floor | Processing | Leads to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker | Skilled Worker | $1,570 | None published | 6–12 months | Yes |
| Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class | Skilled Worker | $1,570 | None published | 3–6 months | Yes |
| Express Entry: Federal Skilled Trades | Skilled Worker | $1,570 | None published | 6–12 months | Yes |
| Start-up Visa | Entrepreneur | $1,860 | None published | 12–36 months | Yes |
| BC PNP Tech Pilot | Skilled Worker | $1,260 | None published | 2–5 months | Yes, about 2 years |
| Alberta Advantage Immigration Program | Skilled Worker | $1,080 | None published | 6–12 months | Yes, about 2 years |
| Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program | Skilled Worker | $360 | None published | 4–8 months | Yes, about 2 years |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | Skilled Worker | $1,170 | None published | 6–12 months | Yes |
If you are outside Canada
A permanent residence application from abroad does not let you work in Canada. You either wait for the decision and land as a permanent resident, or come first on a work permit and switch later. Americans weighing that choice can read moving to Canada from the US, and the 2026 levels plan explainer covers how many places each stream has this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Canada while my PR application is processing?
Yes, as long as you have work authorization. That means a valid work permit, maintained status after applying to extend before it expired, or a bridging open work permit. A permanent residence application on its own does not give you the right to work.
What is a bridging open work permit?
A BOWP is an open work permit for people in Canada whose permanent residence application is being processed under certain programmes, so they can keep working while they wait. You need to be the principal applicant, have passed the completeness check, and hold your acknowledgement of receipt letter.
Does being in the Express Entry pool count?
No. IRCC says submitting a profile to the pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence. You can only apply for a BOWP after you have been invited, submitted a complete application and received the acknowledgement of receipt.
What happens if my work permit expires before I get a BOWP?
If you applied to extend or change your permit before it expired, you keep maintained status and can keep working under the same conditions while IRCC decides. An employer-specific permit means the same employer, job and location. If it has already expired, the BOWP page treats being eligible to restore your status as the way back in, so act quickly.
Is the Atlantic Immigration Program covered by the BOWP?
IRCC's bridging open work permit page does not list the Atlantic Immigration Program. Check the programme's own pages for work permit options before relying on a BOWP.
See which of these routes fits your profile
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Build my workspaceofficial sources: FSWP · canada.ca·FSWP success-rate data · canada.ca·CEC · canada.ca·FST · canada.ca·SUV · canada.ca·BC PNP Tech · welcomebc.ca·AAIP · alberta.ca·SINP · saskatchewan.ca·AIP · canada.ca