Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), also called a bridging visa, is a valuable measure by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. It lets foreign nationals continue working during their permanent residence application process, offering stability. This permit streamlines permanent residence applications, providing quicker processing times.
Unlike regular work permits, BOWP ensures uninterrupted work and contribution to the Canadian economy. This six-month-valid Bridging Open Work Permit helps maintain momentum for skilled workers awaiting their permanent residence outcomes. Dependent children of applicants need an LMIA or exemption for BOWP application.
Benefits of Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Comparatively speaking, a specific work permit is less flexible than the Bridging Visa.
- Even after your Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) expires, you are still permitted to live there.
- Immigrants can participate actively in the Canadian labour market thanks to it.
- Furthermore, it has a validity period of at least six months.
- Even if you lose your current job, you are still free to stay in Canada and look for a new one.
Bridging Open Work Permit and Family Members
When an immigrant obtains a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), they can also apply for their family members' Bridging Open Work Permits. To qualify, the immigrant must be a skilled worker (holding a NOC 0, A, or B position in Canada). Specific criteria apply to spouses or common-law partners:
- The BOWP must be valid for more than 6 months.
- For spouses/common-law partners of FSW applicants, the BOWP holder should work in NOC skill levels 0, A, or B.
- Spouses/common-law partners of PNP applicants receive the same work permit duration as the PNP applicant, regardless of skill level.
- For spouses/common-law partners of FST applicants, the BOWP holder must work in qualifying NOC skill level B occupations.
- Spouses of CEC applicants have no additional conditions.
This provision allows family members to work while the principal applicant's BOWP is in effect, fostering family stability during the application process.
For PNP Applicants:
- PNP applicants don't face employment limitations with the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). They can apply without concerns.
- They must include a copy of their nomination letter during the BOWP application.
- Their work must be within the nominating province.
For Express Entry Applicants:
- Express Entry candidates should provide the documents from the checklist.
- Include a copy of the acknowledgement of receipt letter from IRCC.
- No employment location restrictions for FSWP, CEC, or FSTC applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for BOWP
To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), individuals must meet the following requirements:
- Currently residing in Canada.
- Possess a valid work permit with an expiration date within the next 4 months.
- Be the principal applicant on an Application for Permanent Residence (APR).
- Completed one of the following stages in the APR process:
- Submitted an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR) via Express Entry, passing the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) section 10 completeness check.
- Received a positive eligibility assessment on their paper APR submission under economic classes, sent by mail.
- Applied for an open work permit.
- Paid both the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee.
- Provided any required evidence, such as proof of unrestricted provincial nomination (e.g., nomination certificate), if applicable.
A Bridging Work Permit is not available if:
- The person is in Canada under section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (work permit exempt situations).
- The person's status has expired.
- Their work permit is valid for more than four months or if a new LMIA is available for a new work permit application.
- Applying for a bridging work permit at the port of entry.
- They are the spouse or dependent of the principal permanent resident applicant.
- They are a provincial nominee without submitting a nomination letter or if the letter has employment restrictions.
