Highlights: What to know about Canada’s Bridging Open Work Permit?

 

• The Canadian Bridging Open Work Permit lets applicants continue working in Canada while they wait for their Canada PR decision. 
• 3,330 bridging open work permits (BOWPs) were issued from January to August 2023.
• Candidates can apply for the BOWP through the valid profile with the IRCC.
• The Bridging Open Work Permit is valid for 24 months.

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Why apply for Bridging Open work Permit?

The Bridging Open Work Permit, or BOWP, allows international professionals who are already working in Canada to continue working while their application for Canada PR is being processed.  

The BOWP acts as an interim work permit, which means that foreign nationals get to extend their temporary resident status till their application of permanent residency is finalized. The candidates who have already submitted their Canada PR application status are eligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit.

A successful application of BOWP leads to an open work permit for 24 months. It enables the candidate to work for any employer in Canada at any location.

Also Read…

When and How to Apply for Canada PR?

Who is eligible for the Canadian Bridging Open Work Permit?

You would be eligible for BOWP in Canada if you have applied for Canada PR via the following immigration programs:

• PNP or Provincial Nominee Program
• Express Entry Programs
• CEC or Canadian Experience Class
• FSWP or Federal Skilled Worker Program
• FSTP or Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Quebec Skilled Workers
•  Agri-Food Pilot Program

A Bridging Open Work Permit allows the candidate to work for any Canadian employer. The candidate must have a temporary work permit in Canada. The processing time for BOWP is 3-4 months

*Wish to work in Canada? Y-Axis is here to offer complete guidance for a successful future.

 

Eligibility for BOWP

The eligibility criteria for a Bridging Open Work Permit are listed below. The candidate should be:

• Residing in Canada with a valid temporary residency.
• Having a valid work permit.
• Having applied for a renewal of work permit.
• On maintained status in Canada
• Have applied for Canada PR through any of the economic immigration programs.
• The BOWP is an open work permit, and offers you the liberty to work anywhere in Canada. Candidates who have applied for the Bridging Open Work Permit through PNP can only work inside that specific Canadian province.
• The BOWP is valid as long as the passport of the applicant is valid.

 

Requirements for Bridging Open Work Permit

The following documents are required for the Bridging Open Work Permit

• Duly filled application forms  
• Proof of residency status in Canada
• Photocopy of a valid passport
• Provincial nomination certificate, if needed
• AOR or Acknowledgement of Receipt letter
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate, if required
• Signed employment contract for live-in caregiver
• Results of Medical Exam
• Fee payment receipt
  

What is the Validity of a Bridging Open Work Permit?

The Bridging Open Work Permit is valid for 24 months or until the candidate's passport expires. An extension of the BOWP is possible if the application for Canada PR is still being processed. The extension is valid for 12 months.

How much does the Bridging Open Work Permit cost?

The table below has the details of the fees for BOWP:

Type	Fee (in CAD)
Work permit fee	155
Open Work Permit Fee	100
Biometrics fee	85

 

Can I add my spouse and dependents to my BOWP application?

If you are currently working in Canada on a BOWP under a skilled occupation, your spouse is eligible for an open work permit. Dependent minors can also accompany the BOWP holder through a visitor record.

Can I apply for a bridging open work permit from Quebec?

Residing in Quebec, you can apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit through the Quebec Acceptance Certificate. The eligibility criteria for residents of Quebec are given below:

• Valid application for Canada PR in IRCC or Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada
• AOR or Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC confirming valid application submission for Canada PR
  

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