Immigration Corner | Do I qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

Dear Miss Powell,

My postgraduate work permit is expiring soon, and I have applied to live in Canada via the express entry system. Can I also apply for a bridging work permit?

– S.E.

Dear S.E.

If your Canadian Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is about to expire and you’re currently in the Express Entry pool, you may be wondering whether you qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This is a common question asked by international graduates hoping to transition to permanent residency in Canada. Unfortunately, simply being in the Express Entry pool is not enough to automatically qualify for a BOWP.

The Express Entry system is used to manage applications for three economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. When you create a profile and enter the Express Entry pool, you are expressing your interest in immigrating. However, this is not the same as submitting an actual application for permanent residence (APR). A BOWP is only available to individuals who have already received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have submitted their completed APR to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMITS

To be eligible for a BOWP, you must meet several requirements. You must be in Canada, have valid temporary resident status (such as a work permit that has not yet expired), and have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) confirming that the IRCC has received your complete permanent residence application. If you are simply in the Express Entry pool, but have not yet received an ITA or submitted your APR, you do not qualify for a BOWP.

If you don’t qualify for a BOWP and your PGWP is expiring, there are still a few options to consider. One is to find an employer willing to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which, if approved, allows you to apply for an employer-specific work permit. This route is more complex, as it requires proof that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.

Another option is to apply for a change of status to that of a visitor. This does not allow you to work, but it buys you time to remain in Canada legally while you wait for your Express Entry results. Alternatively, if you have the financial resources and wish to continue studying, you may apply for a study permit and enrol in further education.

For all options, timing and preparation are critical. If your PGWP is near expiry and you have not received an ITA, it’s best to consult an immigration professional to explore your next steps.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. Send your questions via WhatsApp 613-695-8777 or via Facebook.