Bridging Open Work Permit: Who Qualifies and How to Apply?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals to work in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residence (PR) application. Unlike employer-specific work permits, a BOWP provides flexibility to work for most employers across various occupations.

Eligibility for a BOWP

Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for a BOWP :

Reside in Canada with temporary resident status.

Have applied for PR as the principal applicant under one of the following economic immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominee Program (with no employer restrictions)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Home Child-Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilots

Caring for Children or Caring for People with High Medical Needs (applications before June 18, 2019)

Hold a valid work permit, be on maintained status after submitting a renewal, or be eligible for status restoration with work authorization.

Have an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter for their PR application.

Have passed either a completeness check under Section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (for Express Entry and QSW applicants) or received a positive eligibility assessment (for other programs).

Restrictions on Employment Conditions

While BOWPs generally provide open work authorization, certain restrictions apply:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants must work in their nominating province.
• Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) applicants must designate Quebec as their employment location.

Calculate Your CRS Points

Application Process

BOWP applications should be submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants must:

• Confirm eligibility and select “Open Work Permit” as the permit type on the IRCC portal.
• Complete the required forms and submit supporting documents as listed in the application checklist.
• Pay the work permit processing and open work permit fees. Apply online.

BOWPs are issued for up to 24 months or until the applicant’s passport expires. If a PR decision is still pending when a BOWP expires, IRCC may issue a 12-month extension.

Expired Work Permits and BOWP Application

If a foreign national's work permit has expired and they haven’t applied for a BOWP, their options include:

• Applying for a visitor record to maintain temporary resident status (but without work authorization).
• Leaving Canada and waiting for a PR decision from abroad.
• Seeking a new work permit through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) if an employer supports an LMIA application.

Family Members and Open Work Permits

Family members of BOWP holders may qualify for an Open Work Permit (OWP) if:

• The principal applicant has a valid or approved work permit.
• Their work permit remains valid for at least six months after IRCC receives the family member’s OWP application.
• The principal applicant applied for PR through an economic immigration pathway.
• If applying as a QSW, they hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).
• The principal applicant works in a high-skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, or select TEER 2 and 3 jobs).

Conclusion

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a valuable option for individuals who have applied for Canada PR and want to continue working while awaiting a decision on their application. One of its main benefits is that it allows applicants to maintain their legal work status, preventing employment gaps.

Since BOWP is an open work permit, holders are not restricted to a specific employer, giving them the flexibility to switch jobs or seek better opportunities in Canada. This is especially beneficial for skilled workers, as it enables them to gain more Canadian work experience.

Additionally, BOWP reduces uncertainty and stress for applicants by ensuring they do not face job loss due to permit expiration while their permanent residence application is in process. Overall, the Bridging Open Work Permit enhances stability, career growth, and economic participation for immigrants.

Subscribe for FREE and stay updated
with the latest Canada Immigration News!

Source: canada.ca

Tags: Bridging Open Work Permit Open Work Permits Canadian Experience Class Federal Skilled Worker Program Federal Skilled Trades Program Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program Quebec Skilled Worker Program Home Child-Care Provider Home Support Worker Pilots Agri-Food Pilot Canada Immigration News