Why Some Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Applications Are Refused

Understanding the Bridging Open Work Permit (A75)

For many temporary foreign workers in Canada, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an essential tool that allows them to continue working while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application. Because permanent residence processing can take significant time, a BOWP often provides critical stability for applicants already living and working in Canada.

However, many applicants are surprised to receive a refusal even after submitting their permanent residence application. One of the most common misunderstandings is that simply filing a PR application automatically creates eligibility for a BOWP. In reality, IRCC requires the permanent residence application to reach a specific processing stage before a Bridging Open Work Permit can be approved.

We regularly see DIY Applicants whose applications are refused due to timing issues, incomplete documentation, or misunderstandings about IRCC’s internal eligibility requirements.

A BOWP is issued under LMIA exemption code A75 and is generally available to applicants under economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC), the Agri-Food Pilot, and certain caregiver pathways.

Why Submitting a PR Application Is Not Always Enough

Although applicants may already have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR), that alone does not necessarily mean they qualify for a BOWP.

IRCC officers must first confirm that the permanent residence application has passed the required review stage. The specific requirement depends on the immigration category under which the applicant applied.

This is one of the main reasons why some BOWP applications are refused despite the PR application already being submitted.

Express Entry and QSWC Applicants: The R10 Completeness Check

For applicants under Express Entry and the Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC), IRCC first conducts what is known as the “R10 completeness check.”

After an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) is submitted, the Centralized Intake Office (CIO) reviews the application to determine whether it is complete under sections R10 and R12.01 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

If the application is complete, IRCC enters the note:

“R10 OK”

in GCMS.

Only after this step has been completed can a Bridging Open Work Permit be approved.

If the application is found incomplete, IRCC may reject the PR application and enter the following note in GCMS:

“E-APR rejected as incomplete. Client not eligible for BOWP.”

In these situations, the BOWP application must also be refused.

Non-Express Entry Applications: Positive Eligibility Assessment

For permanent residence applications submitted outside Express Entry, the process is slightly different.

Instead of requiring an R10 completeness check, IRCC requires a positive eligibility assessment before the applicant becomes eligible for a BOWP. In GCMS, the “Eligibility” field must show either:

• “Passed”; or

• for older applications, “Met.”

Applicants under the Agri-Food Pilot and certain caregiver pathways are typically issued an approval-in-principle or eligibility letter once this assessment has been completed. A copy of this letter should be included with the BOWP application.

For non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program applicants, IRCC generally does not issue an approval-in-principle letter. Instead, applicants are expected to provide proof of their Acknowledgement of Receipt, while the BOWP application may be placed on hold until stage 1 eligibility has passed.

Documentary Requirements for a BOWP Application

Documentary requirements are another area where applicants can encounter problems.

Applicants must submit a completed IMM 5710 form and select “Open Work Permit” when answering the question regarding the type of work permit requested.

Applicants must also pay:

• the work permit processing fee;

• the open work permit holder fee; and

• where applicable, the restoration fee.

Most importantly, applicants must include evidence showing that their permanent residence application has reached the required processing stage for their immigration category.

Missing or insufficient documentation can lead to refusal even where the applicant may otherwise qualify.

Common Reasons for Refusal

In practice, many BOWP refusals occur because:

• the application was submitted too early;

• the R10 completeness check had not yet been passed;

• eligibility had not yet been marked as “Passed” or “Met” in GCMS;

• supporting evidence was missing;

• or the incorrect work permit type was selected on the application form.

Unfortunately, even if the application is refused, the work permit processing fee is generally not refundable, although the open work permit holder fee may sometimes be refunded.

Why Requesting GCMS Notes Before Applying Can Help

One practical step that many applicants overlook is requesting their GCMS notes before filing a BOWP application.

Because BOWP eligibility depends heavily on the internal status of the permanent residence application, GCMS notes can help confirm whether the file has actually reached the required stage before the work permit application is submitted.

For example, GCMS notes may confirm:

• whether the PR application passed the R10 completeness check;

• whether eligibility has been marked as “Passed” or “Met”;

• whether the application is still under review;

• or whether there are concerns or missing documents affecting eligibility.

This can be especially helpful for applicants who are uncertain whether their file has progressed far enough for BOWP eligibility. Applying too early may result in refusal, lost processing fees, and potential complications with status in Canada.

In many situations, reviewing GCMS notes before filing the BOWP can help applicants make a more informed decision about timing and documentation.

Final Thoughts

Because BOWP eligibility depends heavily on timing and procedural requirements, applicants should carefully review their eligibility before applying. A premature application or missing evidence can result in avoidable refusals and complications with status in Canada.

If you have questions about your Bridging Open Work Permit eligibility or have received a refusal, professional guidance may help identify the issue and determine the best next steps.