Bridging Open Work Permit

Are you working in Canada and enjoying all the great things the country offers? If you’re considering moving to Canada permanently, you can do so with the Bridging Open Work Permit. This work permit is especially beneficial for skilled workers eager to contribute to the Canadian economy while their immigration status is finalized. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and conditions of the BOWP is essential for making the most of this opportunity.

Take a look below as we break down everything you need to know about the BOWP, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and how it allows you to work while awaiting permanent residency.

What is A Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of work permit in Canada that allows you to work legally. At the same time, your application for Canadian permanent residency is being processed. It is specifically designed for those who have applied for permanent residence under certain immigration programs and whose current work permit is about to expire. The BOWP enables applicants to continue working for any Canadian employer, ensuring they can maintain employment status and contribute to the economy during this transitional period.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

Eligibility for a BOWP is determined by your immigration status and the type of Canadian permanent residency application you have submitted. Here is an outline of how you may be eligible to apply for a BOWP as a permanent residency applicant.

Express Entry

If you apply for Canadian permanent residency under the Express Entry system, you may be eligible to apply for the BOWP if you:

• Live in Canada (and intend to live outside Quebec) at the time of your BOWP application,
• Either have a valid Canadian work permit or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit,
• Are the principal applicant on your Canadian permanent residence application,
• Have submitted a complete application for Canadian permanent residence and passed the completeness check,
• Have your acknowledgment of receipt letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Please note that when you submit your application, you include the supporting documents listed in the document checklist and a copy of your acknowledgment of receipt letter.

Provincial Nominee Program

If you applied for Canadian permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) non-Express Entry route, you may be eligible to apply for the BOWP if you,

• Live in Canada (and intend to live outside Quebec) at the time you apply for your BOWP,
• Either have a valid Canada work permit or one that’s expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker,
• Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application,
• Have no employment restrictions as a condition of your provincial nomination.

Note that when you submit your BOWP application as a PNP candidate, you must include:

• The documents listed in the document checklist,
• A copy of your provincial nomination letter and a
• Copy of the acknowledgement of receipt letter you received from IRCC when you submitted your PNP permanent residence application.

Quebec Skilled Workers

If you submitted a Canadian permanent residency application for Quebec as a foreign skilled worker, you can apply for a BOWP if you:

• Live in Canada and intend to live in Quebec,
• Hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ),
• Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application, and
• Have passed a completeness check for permanent residence.

When submitting your application, ensure you include the supporting documents listed in the document checklist, a copy of your CSQ, and a copy of the letter that shows your permanent application number.

Home Child-Care Provider Pilot

If you are a home child care provider or support worker who applied for Canadian permanent residency via the Home Child-care Provider Pilot (HCCPP), you can apply for a BOWP if you:

• Live in Canada (and intend to live outside Quebec) when applying for your BOWP,
• Be approved in principle for permanent residence,
• Prove you have 6 months of qualifying work experience, and
• Have a valid Canadian work permit or applied to extend it before it expired.

Please note that the HCCPP is no longer accepting applications for Canadian permanent residency since it closed on June 17, 2024. Only existing applications will be processed and accepted for eligibility for BOWP candidacy.

Agri-Food Pilot

If you applied for permanent residency in Canada via the Agri-food Pilot, you may be eligible to apply for the BOWP if you:

• Live in Canada (and intend to live outside Quebec) when submitting your BOWP application,
• Have a valid Canadian work permit or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit,
• Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application, and
• Be approved in principle for permanent residency in Canada.

Eligibility For Your Spouse or Partner

Certain requirements must be met for your spouse or partner to receive an open work visa. They need to:

• Hold a valid work permit or is authorized to work in Canada without a work permit under Section 186(w) of IRPR,
• Be authorized to work in Canada for at least 6 months after the spousal open work permit application is received,
• Be employed in a job that falls under National Occupational Classification (NOC) and Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) category 0, 1, 2 or 3 application under the Atlantic Immigration Program,
• Hold a provincial nomination certificate or QSC (if you will live in Quebec),
• Be physically residing in Canada or plan to reside in Canada while employed physically, and
• Be genuine with their spouse or common-law partner.

How to Apply for a BOWP?

You can apply online on the Canadian government website for a BOWP. You’ll also need to pay your fees and those of anyone joining you. You will be asked to pay your costs at the end of your application.

There are several benefits to applying online. They include:

• You can ensure your application is filled correctly and completely before submitting,
• It’s cost-effective because you won’t have any courier or mail fees,
• Submitting additional documents will be done quicker, and
• All application updates will go directly to your online account.

FAQs

Where Can I Find More Information About The BOWP Process?

You can find comprehensive information about the BOWP process on the official IRCC site. This site provides detailed guidelines on eligibility, application procedures, and required documents. You can access updates on immigration policies that may affect your application.

What Should I do if my BOWP Expires Before my Permanent Residence is Approved?

If your BOWP expires while your permanent residence application is still pending, you should apply for a renewal as soon as possible to maintain your legal status in Canada. Ensure you gather all necessary documentation for the renewal application and submit it before your current permit expires. This will help avoid any gaps in your work authorization.

Will my BOWP Allow me to Work For Any Employer?

Yes, a BOWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer. However, you must still comply with the conditions outlined in your BOWP. This flexibility allows you to explore various job opportunities while awaiting your permanent residency approval.