Applicants who already have a PR application in progress (for example under a Provincial Nominee Program) and are on an open work permit sometimes ask about timing for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which extends your ability to work while your PR application is being finalized.
What group members advised:- There used to be a fixed window before your permit's expiry. One member noted you could apply for a BOWP once your current work permit was less than 4 months from expiring — applying too early, before that window opens, wasn't accepted.
- That rule has since changed. Another member flagged that IRCC no longer requires waiting until 4 months before expiry — check the current IRCC webpage for the up-to-date window before assuming the old 4-month rule still applies, since these timing rules are exactly the kind of thing that gets updated.
Because this rule has changed at least once, treat any specific number of months as historical and verify the live requirement on IRCC's website before applying.