A member on a closed work permit for two years asked whether receiving an Express Entry ITA (Invitation to Apply) automatically changes their permit to an open one, and whether they could then work anywhere.
What the group clarified:- An ITA does not change your work permit status. Your closed work permit remains closed, tied to your existing employer, regardless of receiving an ITA.
- Your work permit stays as-is until your PR application is fully approved and your eCOPR (electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is issued.
- If your closed work permit is nearing expiry while your PR application is in process, you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). A BOWP lets you keep working — for any employer — while you wait for your PR to be finalized.
The practical takeaway: an ITA alone changes nothing about your work authorization; the BOWP is the specific tool for maintaining open work status once your permanent residence application is submitted and your existing permit is close to running out.