Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — between work permit and PR

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an LMIA-exempt open work permit under R205(a) (code A75) issued to applicants who:
  (a) Are in Canada
  (b) Have a valid temporary status (work permit)
  (c) Have submitted an eligible PR application that has reached a specific stage (typically Acknowledgement of Receipt or Eligibility decision)
  (d) Have a work permit expiring within 4 months

It "bridges" the gap until PR is granted.

Draft a 400-500 word BOWP cover letter for [CLIENT_NAME], current [CURRENT_WP_TYPE] expiring [CURRENT_WP_EXPIRY], PR application via [PR_STREAM] received [PR_AOR_DATE].

§1 — OPENING (40-60 words)
"I respectfully apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) under IRPR R205(a) (compliance code A75) on the basis of my pending permanent residence application under [PR_STREAM]. My current work permit ([CURRENT_WP_TYPE]) expires on [CURRENT_WP_EXPIRY]."

§2 — ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION (120-150 words)
BOWP eligibility requires ALL:
  (a) Currently in Canada under a valid temporary status (state current status + permit expiry)
  (b) Hold a valid work permit at time of BOWP application (state current WP details)
  (c) Have applied for PR under an eligible class — eligible classes include:
      - Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades
      - Provincial Nominee Program (after PNP nomination + ITA OR submission of PR application)
      - Quebec Skilled Worker (after Quebec selection certificate)
      - Atlantic Immigration Program (after endorsement)
      - Agri-Food Pilot, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
  (d) PR application has been confirmed received (AOR or equivalent)
  (e) Current work permit expires within 4 months OR is about to lapse

§3 — PR APPLICATION STATUS (80-100 words)
  • PR stream: [PR_STREAM]
  • AOR / receipt date: [PR_AOR_DATE]
  • Specific stage in PR processing (eligibility under review / awaiting AOR / etc.)
  • IRCC file / application number
Attach the AOR letter or equivalent IRCC confirmation as Annex A.

§4 — BOWP DURATION REQUESTED (60-80 words)
BOWP is issued for:
  • Standard: 24 months (open) from issuance
  • Or matching PR processing timelines
The work permit is OPEN — no specific employer required. Worker can change jobs without applying for a new permit.

§5 — STATUS CONTINUITY (60-80 words)
Apply BEFORE current WP expiry:
  • R183 implied status: worker can continue working under the existing WP's conditions pending BOWP decision
  • If working for a specific employer (e.g. LMIA-tied), continue with that employer until BOWP issued
  • Once BOWP issued, employer change is permitted
DO NOT apply within 4 months of expiry without giving processing time; alternatively, premature applications (>4 months out) get rejected.

§6 — INTENT (40-60 words)
"My intent is to continue my Canadian employment and integration while my PR application progresses. I have established roots in Canada — [BRIEF_TIES] — and intend to settle permanently upon PR confirmation."

ANNEXES
  • Annex A: AOR / PR application receipt from IRCC
  • Annex B: Current work permit
  • Annex C: Passport bio page
  • Annex D: Recent employment letter from current employer
  • Annex E: Recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months)
  • Annex F: BOWP application form (IMM 5710) signed
  • Annex G: Receipt for fee (CAD 255 — WP fee + open WP holder fee)

End with: "DRAFT BOWP COVER LETTER — for RCIC review. VERIFY current PR-stream eligibility for BOWP; eligibility list updated regularly at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html. AOR date must be within 4 months of WP expiry for some streams."