Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) allows work permit holders to continue working in Canada while their PR application is being processed.
BOWP is an open work permit and is not tied to a specific employer or job. The holder will have the flexibility to work for most employers across various occupations in Canada.
The BOWP is typically valid for up to two years and can be extended at the discretion of an immigration officer if the PR process takes longer than expected.
What are the Benefits of Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
The BOWP offers many benefits for the individual, including it:
- Allows holders to keep working legally while their permanent residency application is being processed, preventing job loss.
- Holders can work for any employer across Canada, which allows them to explore different job opportunities without being tied to a specific employer.
- BOWPs do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), simplifying the employment process.
- Assures that individuals will not lose their legal status or ability to work while waiting for PR approval.
- Enables holders to gain additional work experience in Canada, benefitting their PR application.
- Eligible family members of the primary applicant can also apply for a BOWP, allowing them to work in Canada.
Are You Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Now that we detailed the BOWP as an essential option for foreign nationals transitioning to permanent residency in Canada, let’s explore its eligibility criteria.
Eligibility Criteria for BOWP
- You must be living in Canada as a temporary resident.
- Must have applied for permanent residence as the primary applicant.
- Must have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter confirming that the PR application is being processed.
You must meet one of the below conditions:
- Hold a valid work permit.
- Have an expired work permit and are maintaining status after applying for renewal.
- Be eligible to restore temporary resident status with work authorization.
You must have completed one of the following:
- Passed a completeness check (for Express Entry or Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicants)
- Received a positive eligibility assessment (for other BOWP-eligible programs)
You must have applied under any of these programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (without employer restrictions)
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW)
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
- Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (if applied before June 18, 2019)
Things to Remember
- You can keep working under maintained status if you apply for a BOWP before your current work permit expires.
- If your work permit expires while travelling outside Canada, you cannot work until the BOWP is approved.
What are the Employment Location Conditions for BOWPs?
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) usually allow you to work for any employer in Canada and change jobs easily. However, there are two key conditions:
For Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants:
- You can only work in the province or territory that nominated you for permanent residency.
For Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) Applicants
- You must work in Quebec, the location you selected for your application.
How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the requirements for a BOWP.
- Use IRCC Portal: Log in to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) online portal.
- Select Permit Type: Choose “Open Work Permit” as the type of permit you are applying for.
- Fill Out Forms: Complete the required application forms accurately.
- Upload Documents: Provide all necessary documents on the checklist (specific to your immigration pathway).
- Pay Fees: Pay the processing fee (CAD 155) and open work permit holder fee (CAD 100).
- Submit Application: Submit your application online through the IRCC portal
How should you proceed after Receiving a BOWP?
Once you receive a BOWP,
- Begin or continue working for any employer in Canada.
- Keep your BOWP and related documents accessible for proof of work authorization.
- Monitor the status of your permanent residence application through your IRCC account.
- Ensure you maintain eligibility and comply with Canadian work regulations.
- Plan for BOWP expiration and apply for an extension if needed.
- Prepare necessary travel documents if you travel outside Canada, as the BOWP is not a re-entry document.
What to Do If Your Work Permit Expires Before Applying for a BOWP?
Suppose your work permit expires, you haven’t applied for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), and you are not eligible to restore your status. In that case, it’s essential to act quickly and plan your next steps carefully to maintain your status in Canada!
You have three options:
- Switch to Visitor Status: You can apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada legally, but you have to stop working. It’s a good way to keep your temporary resident status while waiting for your PR decision.
- Exit Canada: If staying isn’t an option, you can leave Canada and head home (or anywhere else). Then, wait for the outcome of your permanent residence application.
- Pursue a New Work Permit: If you can find an employer willing to go through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, you can apply for a new work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Just remember—you can’t work until you’ve got legal authorization again.
Are Family Members Eligible for an Open Work Permit in Canada?
Family members of work permit holders in Canada may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP), allowing them to work while living in the country. There are specific requirements for both the principal applicant and their family members to qualify.
Requirements for Principal Applicant
- You must be living and working in Canada or plan to do so.
- You must have a valid work permit or be approved for one.
- The work permit must be valid for at least six months after receiving the family member’s OWP application.
- The work permit should have been issued or approved after applying for an economic class permanent residency pathway.
- If applying as a Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW), you must hold a Certificat de sélection du Québec.
- You must be employed in high-skilled occupations (NOC TEER 0 or 1) or select high-skilled occupations in NOC TEER 2 or 3.
Requirements for Family Member
To be eligible, family members must meet specific requirements that ensure they are in a genuine relationship with the principal applicant and that the principal applicant holds a valid work permit. Here’s the key requirements for family members looking to obtain an OWP.
Family members:
- Must meet the general requirements for a work permit.
- Must be in a genuine relationship with the principal applicant and can be:
- The spouse or common-law partner.
- A dependent child of the principal applicant or their spouse/partner.
- A dependent child of the dependent child (grandchild)
If in Canada, the family member must have:
- A valid temporary resident status.
- Applied for maintained status before expiration.
- Eligibility to restore status as a visitor, worker, or student.
Dependent children can apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) in Canada, but there are a few rules to keep in mind. They must be under 22 and can’t be the principal applicant. Plus, they must meet the minimum age requirements to work in their province or territory.
They must also have valid temporary resident status or be able to restore it. Their parents must hold a valid work permit and meet the necessary job requirements.
With a duration of up to two years and the possibility of extension, the BOWP offers flexibility and job security. It enables holders to work for various employers across most occupations. For those eligible, applying for a BOWP can be a significant step toward building a stable future in Canada.
Read to Know: Canada’s Category-Based Draws: Key Changes and Insights
