Canada offers a bridging open work permit (BOWP) that allows certain applicants to continue working while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.
On this page we will discuss BOWP. So, let’s get started.
Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals to remain and continue to work in Canada. At the same time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes their application for permanent residency.
The Bridging Open Work Permit Canada is only available to persons who have applied for permanent residency and already have a valid work permit.
A successful Bridging Open Work Permit application results in an open work permit which allows the candidates to work for numerous employers in multiple locations.
Eligibility for BOWP
To apply for a BOWP, you have to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
1. You are a foreign national who is now in Canada after being granted temporary residency
2. You are a foreign national who:
- has a valid temporary resident status and work permit status
- have maintained status and authorization to work in Canada under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) as a result of applying to renew your work permit under subsection R201(1)
- are eligible to restore your temporary resident status with work permit authorization
3. You have submitted an application for permanent residence as the primary applicant under one of the following immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Quebec Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
4. Depending on the program, you have completed one of the following Application for Permanent Resident (APR) stages:
you have already filed the electronic application for permanent residence through Express Entry and have passed the section R10 completeness check; applicable for the following classes:
- FSWP
- CEC
- FSTP
- PNP
you have passed the completeness check under section R10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations APR under the Quebec Skilled Worker Class
you have a positive eligibility evaluation on your non-Express Entry APR filed by mail or online under the following classes:
- Caring for children
- Caring for people with high medical needs
- Agri-Food Pilot, or
- PNP
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot once they have eligible work experience
Bridging Open Work Permit Documents Checklist
If you apply for a bridging open work permit, you must provide the following documents.
- Complete the application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710) form
a. To meet the requirements, you must answer “open work permit” when asked, “What type of work permit are you applying for?” - Pay the required processing fees
- Provide evidence of meeting the APR stage according to the PR class and admission submission
a. For AFP, caring for children, and caring for people with high medical needs classes, include the approval in principle letter with the application
Bridging Open Work Permit for Spouse
According to IRCC, if the BOWP holder applicant currently works in Canada in a skilled occupation, then their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children are eligible to apply for an open work permit under the C49 administrative code.
Bridging Open Work Permit Validity
According to IRCC, the validity of a bridging open work permit is 24 months from the date of the issue.
Is the Bridging Open Work Permit for Canada applicable everywhere?
BOWP holders can work anywhere in Canada. However, IRCC has the following rules for PNP and QSWC applications:
- The employment location on these applications is restricted other than what is specified.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Canada on a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada, but it cannot be used as a travel document. To return to Canada on a BOWP, you must also hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
How to apply for Bridging Open Work Permit?
Most of the Bridging Open Work Permit applicants must apply online using their IRCC secure account. Applicants who are unable to apply online may do so on paper.
When to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Express Entry candidates who wish to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit Canada must first get an Acknowledgement of Receipt letter from their IRCC MyPortal account.
Can I apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit from outside of Canada?
No, in order to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, foreign nationals must live in Canada.
Why was my Bridging Open Work Permit got rejected?
The main reason for the rejection of the Bridging Open Work Permit application is that you have submitted an incomplete permanent residency application.
Is BOWP an open work permit?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while you await the outcome of your permanent residence application. If you applied to one of the permanent residence programs, you may be eligible.
What is a BOWP?
An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows a foreigner to work legally in Canada in any job. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while you await the outcome of your permanent residence application.
Do I need a job offer for an open work permit?
To be eligible for an open work visa, you do not need to have a job offer or a good Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Some open work permits, however, may have extra conditions that foreign nationals must meet.
Do I need a medical for BOWP?
Yes, it is required. Documents required for the bridging work permit are: scanned copies of your passport, digital photo, and medical verification (if you have had one) are all items you should still have from your PR application and may upload right away.
