Bridging Open Work Permit
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows eligible temporary foreign workers in Canada to maintain their right to work while their permanent residence (PR) application is being processed. Without a BOWP, a worker whose work permit expires before their PR is decided would lose their authorization to work — and potentially their ability to maintain status in Canada.
To be eligible for a BOWP, you must: - Hold a valid work permit (or have implied status) - Have submitted a permanent residence application in one of the eligible economic class streams (such as Express Entry — Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, or Federal Skilled Trades; or a Provincial Nominee Program with a federal application pending) - Have received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) and have your application confirmed as complete by IRCC
**Pricing:** The flat fee is $500 + HST if this firm also prepared your underlying PR application. If another firm or consultant handled the PR application, the fee is $750 + HST. In both cases, government fees of $255 are payable directly to IRCC and are not included in the flat fee. Biometrics (an additional $85 government fee) may also be required if you have not previously provided them or if they have expired.
This service covers preparation and review of the complete BOWP application package for submission through your IRCC secure account.
What Is Included
- Review of eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit
- Preparation of the complete BOWP application package
- Review of supporting documents (PR application AOR, existing work permit, etc.)
- Submission-ready application package with cover letter
What Is Not Included
- Government fees ($255 to IRCC, charged at cost)
- Biometrics fee ($85 if required)
- Preparation of the underlying permanent residence application (separate service)
- Restoration of status (if your work permit has already expired)
- Legal representation before IRCC or on any judicial review
Who This Service Is For
Information Required from You
- 1Copy of current work permit
- 2Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC for your permanent residence application
- 3Confirmation that the PR application has been confirmed as complete
- 4Passport (current and any previous passports if applicable)
- 5IRCC account credentials or authorization to access your secure account
- 6Any previous immigration history in Canada
Common Add-Ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Limitations
- •This service does not include preparation of the underlying permanent residence application. If your PR application has not yet been filed, that is a separate service.
- •Eligibility for a BOWP depends on meeting IRCC's requirements at the time of application. A review of eligibility will be conducted before the application is prepared.
- •If your work permit has already expired, you may no longer be eligible for a BOWP and restoration of status may be required instead. This is assessed at intake.
- •Government fees are charged at cost and are in addition to the flat legal fee.
- •Approval is not guaranteed. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada makes all final decisions.
Fee range
$500 – $750
Plus HST
The $500 + HST rate applies if this firm also prepared your underlying permanent residence application. The standard rate is $750 + HST. Government fees are $255 (= $155 work permit fee + $100 open work permit holder fee), plus biometrics at $85 if required.
This service is provided by a third party. By requesting this service, you consent to us sharing your inquiry with one of our partner law firms, and you may be contacted by them, pursuant to our Privacy Policy.
Requesting does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Subject to conflict check and acceptance.
Prices are for the stated scope only. Additional complexity, urgency, disbursements, HST, or government fees may apply.
Fee range
$500 – $750
Plus HST