The Bridging Open Work Permit lets foreign nationals continue to work in Canada while they wait for a decision on their PR application.

The Bridging Open Work Permit is only available to individuals who have submitted a permanent residency application & already have a valid work permit. A successful BOWP application leads to an open work permit, thus enabling the holder to work for multiple employers in numerous locations of their own choosing. 

In this blog, we will discuss Bridging Open Work Permit, offering you some deep insights into it. So, without further ado, let us begin! 

Eligibility Criteria For Bridging Open Work Permit 

In order to apply for a BOWP, i.e., Bridging Open Work Permit, a foreign national has to meet the following criteria: 

• Live in Canada with a valid temporary resident status. 
• Meet one of the following conditions: 

• • Hold a valid work permit along with a valid temporary resident status 
  • Have submitted to renew their work permit & are on a maintained status in Canada 
  • Are eligible to restore the status of a temporary resident with authorization to work on a work permit. 

• Have applied for Canadian PR as the principal candidate under one of the classes mentioned below: 

• • FSWP
  • FSTP
  • CEC
  • Caring for children 
  • Caring for people with high medical needs 
  • PNP
  • Agri-Food Pilot 
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Class 

• Have cleared/ passed the section R10 completeness check for QSWC application/ Express Entry application or a positive eligibility test/ assessment after applying under an eligible non-Express Entry PR stream. 

Fee For BOWP 

An open work permit fee is $255, i.e., $155 for processing fee & $100 for open work permit holder fee. 

Can I Work In Canada On BOWP? 

Open work permits typically allow foreign applicants to work for any employer in Canada. However, there are certain exceptions in terms of employment location for specific applicants: 

• PNP Candidates 

The location of employment on a Provincial Nominee Program is restricted to the nominated province. 

• Quebec Candidates 

For individuals applying under QSWC, the employment location indicated on the BOWP application is restricted to the province of Quebec. 

How Long Is The Bridging Open Work Permit Valid?  

Bridging Open Work Permits are generally issued for 24 months. If a PR application processing goes beyond the validity period, extensions might be issued for 12 months. 

A BOWP will not be issued beyond the validity of an applicant’s passport. 

Can I Add My Spouse & Dependents On The BOWP Application? 

If the BOWP holder is presently working in Canada in a skilled profession, their spouse might apply for an open work permit. In addition, dependent children might also accompany the BOWP holder by applying for a tourist/ visitor record. 

How To Apply For Bridging Open Work Permit? 

For most cases, BOWP candidates should apply online via their IRCC secure account. Candidates who are having problems applying online can apply on paper. 

When Can I Apply For A BOWP, i.e., Bridging Open Work Permit? 

Express Entry candidates applying for a BOWP might do so once they Acknowledgement of Recipient Letter via their IRCC MyPortal Account. 

Quebec Skilled Worker Class candidates should await until they have cleared/ passed the completeness check stage of their application. 

Bridging Open Work Permit Document Checklist 

The document needed for a work permit will depend on the type of work permit one is applying for. In addition, candidates might need to provide the documents mentioned below as part of their work permit application: 

• Acknowledgement Of Receipt Letter 
• Provincial Nomination Certificate
• quebecAcceptance Certificate
• Signed Employment Contract 
• Completed Application Forms 
• Status Proof In Canada 
• Marriage Certificate 
• Valid Copy Of Passport 
• Results Of Medical Exam 
• Proof Of Payment For Government Fees 

Can I Apply For BOWP From Quebec? 

As of August 2021, temporary foreign professionals who hold a Quebec Acceptance Certificate & reside in Quebec might be eligible to apply for BOWP. 

Moreover, in order to be eligible to apply for a BOWP while living in Quebec, temporary foreign professionals must meet both of the conditions mentioned below: 

• Have obtained an AOR from IRCC confirming the completeness of the PR application. 
• Have applied for PR to IRCC as a permanent candidate as a skilled worker in Quebec. 

BOWP Processing Time 

Bridging Open Work Permits are processed within 3-4 months. 

Conclusion 

The Bridging Open Work Permit is an integral tool which helps in facilitating the transition of temporary foreign professionals as well as international graduates in Canada. 

This program enables individuals to maintain their legal status & continue working while a decision comes on their PR applications. Thus, by bridging the gap between PR & temporary status, BOWP promotes stability, talent retention, & economic contribution in Canada. 

FAQs

• Can I apply for BOWP from outside of Canada? 

Foreign nationals should be living in the country to apply for a BOWP. 

• Can I apply for a PR on a BOWP? 

One of the primary eligibility requirements for a BOWP is that the candidate has already applied for a PR. Moreover, there would be no reason to apply for PR again! 

• What will happen if my work permit expires while my PR application is being processed? 

If your work permit is required while your PR application is still being processed, you will be considered out of status & will need to apply to restore your status as a professional worker in Canada. 

• Can I change from a closed work permit to a BOWP? 

Yes, it is possible to change your work permit from a closed to a bridging open work permit as long as you are eligible.