Bridging open work permit
keep working while a permanent residence application is processed · Official name: Bridging open work permit (BOWP) for permanent residence applicants
A bridging open work permit lets some workers already in Canada keep working while IRCC processes their permanent residence application. It is for principal applicants under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), the Provincial Nominee Program, the Quebec skilled worker class and a few older pilots, who hold or have maintained worker status and whose application has passed IRCC's completeness check (or eligibility assessment for non-Express Entry PNP). Submitting an Express Entry profile is not enough; a full PR application must be submitted.
3 entry rules for Canada based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Entry refused after a stay in DR Congo in the last 21 days
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you've been in DR Congo in the last 21 days, you can't enter Canada, board a flight to Canada or connect through a Canadian airport, unless you fall under an exemption.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC, page date 2026-10-08) New Temporary Border Measures in Response to the Ebola Disease Outbreak (PHAC, 19 Jul 2026) Government of Canada extends temporary border measures in response to Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, Aug 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Quarantine after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan in the last 21 days
If you're allowed into Canada after being in DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan in the last 21 days, you'll get a health check on arrival and must quarantine for 21 days, report to public health within 48 hours and check your temperature every day.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Border measures for travellers entering Canada (PHAC) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Visa applications paused after a stay in DR Congo, Uganda, South Sudan
If the last country you lived in, as stated on your application, is DR Congo, Uganda or South Sudan, Canada has suspended visitor visas, eTAs and permanent resident visas and paused new decisions. This depends on where you live, not your nationality.
In force until November 27, 2026
Ebola disease: Temporary measures (IRCC, page date 2026-09-28) Government of Canada introduces temporary border measures (PHAC, 26 May 2026) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Canada
Finance
3
Currency
Canadian Dollar
CAD
Canadian Dollar
Cost of living
90
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
14–33%
Income tax (national)
Federal top rate applies above CAD 258,482 (2026); provinces/territories add their own income tax (roughly 4% to 21% at the top), giving combined top rates of about 44% to 54%.
Living
1
Happiness
#24 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Foreign workers in Canada who are the principal applicant on a submitted permanent residence application in an eligible program.
Eligibility
Status in Canada
Sign in to check this route against your profileLive in Canada and hold valid temporary resident status with a valid work permit, or have maintained status as a worker after applying to extend, or be eligible to restore status and get a work permit.
Principal applicant with a submitted PR application
Sign in to check this route against your profileBe the principal applicant on a permanent residence application that passed the completeness check and have the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter. An Express Entry profile in the pool is not a PR application.
Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST)Express Entry
Sign in to check this route against your profileIntend to live outside Quebec.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
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- 3 more requirements
- 4 documents
- 3 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Other routes to Canada
- Visit & tourismSuper visa for parents and grandparents
- StudyStudy permit
- Skilled migrationAtlantic Immigration Program
- 3 more routes with Premium
Work permits in other countries
- Central African RepublicLong-stay visa (visa long séjour, 45-90 days) for work, business and other purposes
- Republic of the CongoOrdinary resident card (carte de résident ordinaire), including for salaried workers
- SwitzerlandWork and residence permit for non-EU/EFTA nationals
- 3 more routes with Premium
