Bridging Open Work Permits: A Checklist for Tech Workers Awaiting Canadian PR

A permanent residence application does not automatically extend a Canadian work permit. Technology professionals who want to keep working while IRCC processes an eligible permanent residence application should confirm whether they qualify for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) and apply before relying on continued work authorization.

1. A profile or invitation is not enough

For an Express Entry applicant, IRCC requires the principal applicant to have submitted a complete permanent residence application that passed the completeness check. Creating an Express Entry profile, entering the pool, or receiving an invitation to apply is not the same as submitting the permanent residence application.

The applicant should also have the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter issued after IRCC receives the permanent residence application. IRCC instructs online applicants to upload the AOR in the “Client information” field.

Official guidance: IRCC — Bridging open work permits.

2. Confirm that the permanent residence program qualifies

IRCC lists BOWP instructions for permanent residence applicants in programs including:

• Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program;
• eligible Provincial Nominee Program applications;
• the Quebec skilled worker class; and
• certain caregiver, agri-food and Quebec investor applications.

The eligibility rules and supporting evidence differ by program. A provincial nominee may also face a provincial work-location restriction. Do not assume that every permanent residence stream creates BOWP eligibility.

3. Check status and location at the time of application

An Express Entry applicant must live in Canada and intend to live outside Quebec when applying. The applicant must also be the principal applicant and either:

• have valid temporary resident status and a valid work permit;
• have an expired work permit but have maintained status as a worker; or
• be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit.

Applicants should keep copies of their current permit, passport pages, application confirmation and proof of the date IRCC received the work-permit application.

4. Do not confuse a BOWP application with permission to work

Applying before the current work permit expires may allow a worker to continue working under maintained status, but only within the conditions that legally apply. Travel can change the practical result: IRCC warns that a person who leaves Canada after the existing work permit expires cannot work after returning until the new application is approved.

Before travelling, changing employers or changing duties, confirm how the existing permit, maintained status and the proposed change interact. An employer should not use a BOWP application receipt as proof that an open work permit has already been issued.

5. Prepare a document file before the expiry date

A practical file may include:

• the current work permit and passport;
• the permanent residence AOR;
• the submitted permanent residence application details;
• provincial nomination or CSQ documents where applicable;
• the work-permit document checklist and forms;
• proof of fees, including the work-permit processing fee and open work-permit holder fee;
• proof of the online submission date; and
• a short letter explaining the eligibility category and uploaded evidence.

IRCC says most BOWP applications must be submitted online. The applicant should select “Open work permit” as the permit type and follow the program-specific instructions.

6. Plan for job and payroll transitions

An open work permit is not job-specific, but restrictions may appear on the permit. For example, some permits restrict work location, and a medical condition may limit work in certain occupations.

Before treating the permit as unrestricted, read the actual document. HR teams should separately record:

• the expiry date of the current permit;
• the BOWP submission date and supporting proof;
• the employee’s authorization and conditions during processing;
• the date the new permit is issued; and
• any restrictions printed on the new permit.

IRCC’s open work permit overview explains that open permits are available only in specific situations and may include occupational or geographic restrictions.

7. If eligibility is not established yet

Do not let the current permit expire while waiting for an Express Entry invitation or AOR. IRCC advises workers who are not yet eligible for a BOWP to maintain their status by extending their work permit. Depending on the situation, the employer may need a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or a new Employer Portal offer.

A PGWP is generally a one-time permit. A worker nearing PGWP expiry should review available options early rather than assuming the PGWP itself can be renewed.

A practical timeline

Before the current permit expires:

1. identify the permanent residence program and BOWP rules;
2. confirm that the permanent residence application was submitted and passed the required stage;
3. obtain and save the AOR or program-specific evidence;
4. confirm status, location and principal-applicant requirements;
5. submit the complete BOWP application with the correct fees and documents;
6. preserve the submission confirmation; and
7. obtain advice before travel or any change that may affect authorization.

Titanium Law Professional Corporation assists Canadian employers and foreign workers with work-permit and permanent-residence matters. Learn more at titaniumlaw.ca or contact the firm at [phone].

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. Immigration requirements depend on the facts and may change. Review current Government of Canada guidance and obtain advice for your circumstances.

Editorial disclosure: AI-assisted drafting was used in preparing this general-information article. The legal points were checked against the linked Government of Canada sources on November 13, 2026; no claim of lawyer review is made.