Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A BOWP lets you continue working in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed by IRCC. It "bridges" the gap between your current work permit expiring and your PR being granted.
Eligibility
You qualify for a BOWP if:
- โ You currently hold a valid work permit (or are within 30 days of expiry)
- โ You have submitted an electronic PR application under Express Entry, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, or Caregiver pilots
- โ IRCC has acknowledged your PR application as complete
- โ You are currently in Canada
Duration
BOWP is typically issued for 2 years โ long enough to cover most PR processing timelines.
Strategic Timing
Apply for your BOWP 4+ months before your current work permit expires. This ensures you receive the new permit before your existing one lapses and you avoid implied status complications.
Looking for related services? See our full Work Permits overview or all services.
Why Choose Us?
Personalized Assessment
- Understanding your Canadian immigration needs and goals.
- Assessing eligibility across multiple programs.
- Recommending the best pathway for your situation.
- Answering all questions and addressing concerns.
Tailored Approach
- Custom Canadian immigration plan suited to you.
- Clear proposal outlining services and payment structure: 50% before processing, 50% before submission.
- Comprehensive checklist after initial payment.
Application Fulfillment
- Dedicated case manager assigned to your file.
- Strong application prepared within 7โ10 business days.
- Review and final approval before submission.
Trusted Partnership
- Kept informed at every stage from submission to decision.
- Ongoing support and guidance until you reach your goals.
- Available for status updates at any time.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a free assessment with our licensed RCIC team. We'll review your case, identify your best pathway, and outline the next steps.
Our Technology Ecosystem
The platform behind Waymark โ built in Abbotsford, BC by RCICs, for the way modern immigration practices actually work.
Nova System Inc.
Canadian legal-tech company building modern software for immigration consultants. The team behind Meridian, Polaris, and Aurora.
- โธFounded in Abbotsford, BC by a practicing RCIC
- โธThree products serving the full RCIC workflow
- โธBuilt on the global edge network
- โธEncrypted at rest with AES-256-GCM
- โธCICC-aware trust accounting and RCIC compliance baked in
Meridian
The all-in-one operating system for RCIC firms. Cases, clients, documents, trust accounting, AI, and intake โ one connected platform.
- โธAI-powered CRM for cases, clients, leads, deadlines
- โธDocument automation plus smart checklists per IRCC pathway
- โธCICC-aware trust accounting and annual report generator
- โธPer-case AI chat plus global firm AI assistant
- โธBranded intake forms, client portal, e-signatures
- โธReal-time IRCC policy and Express Entry draw monitoring
Polaris
The desktop cockpit. A native app that puts your day, your cases, and your AI assistant one click away โ built for staff who live in the practice.
- โธDaily bench view โ your day at a glance
- โธVoice notes and camera capture into cases
- โธOwner cockpit with firm-wide metrics and approvals
- โธCompass with in-app help and onboarding
- โธRCIC approvals queue for L1 staff submissions
- โธLock and unlock workstation via mobile passkey
Aurora
The mobile client experience. Clients track their case, upload documents, sign forms, and message their RCIC โ from the palm of their hand.
- โธLive case tracking and processing-time radar
- โธMulti-page document scan and camera upload
- โธSecure document viewer and watermarked downloads
- โธIn-house e-signatures and payment receipts
- โธEligibility checks, CRS, NOC, travel calculators
- โธPush notifications and PIPEDA data export and delete
Waymark Immigration runs on the Nova System ecosystem.