Bridging Open Work Permit

What is Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), often called a 'bridging visa,' is an innovative solution from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit allows permanent residence applicants within Canada to continue working while their applications are processed. Recognizing that some applicants’ work permits might expire before a decision on their permanent residence application, the BOWP was introduced to bridge this gap, ensuring they can remain employed during this period.

BOWP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a BOWP, applicants must have applied as the principal applicant under one of the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Caring for Children Class
• Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class
• Agri-Food Pilot
• Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

Express Entry applicants, including those in QSW, must have passed the section R10 completeness check. Non-Express Entry applicants must have received a positive eligibility assessment on their non-Express Entry APR.

Additionally, applicants must:

• Be currently in Canada.
• Meet one of the following criteria:
• Have valid temporary resident status and authorization to work with a valid work permit.
• Have maintained status and authorization to work by submitting a work permit renewal application.
• Be eligible to restore their temporary resident status with authorization to work.
• Select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit being applied for.
• Pay the work permit processing fee and the Open Work Permit Holder fee.

If the permanent residence application is incomplete, IRCC will refuse the BOWP application and not refund the processing fees. The requirement to wait until the current work permit is within four months of expiration before applying for a BOWP was removed in 2021.

BOWP for Express Entry Applicants

When applying for a BOWP, Express Entry applicants must provide all supporting documents listed in their document checklist, including a copy of their Acknowledgment of Receipt letter, received automatically when IRCC receives the application. There are no employment location restrictions for FSWC, CEC, or FSTC applicants.

BOWP for Non-Express Entry Applicants

Non-Express Entry applicants receive their Acknowledgment of Receipt letter after IRCC verifies that their application is complete.

BOWP for PNP Applicants

PNP applicants must ensure that:

• Their nomination does not include employment restrictions.
• They include a copy of their nomination letter when applying for a BOWP.
• The employment location on the work permit is restricted to the nominating province.

BOWP for Quebec Applicants

As of August 31, 2021, applicants for immigration to Quebec can obtain a BOWP. To be eligible, they must:

• Have submitted a permanent residence application as the principal applicant and a skilled worker in Quebec to IRCC.
• Have an acknowledgment of receipt confirming that the permanent residence application has been received by the federal government and is complete.

The spouse or common-law partner of a Quebec applicant can also obtain a BOWP, regardless of the principal applicant’s skill level in their profession.

Spouses/Common-Law Partners of BOWP Applicants

The spouse or common-law partner of a BOWP applicant may also be eligible for a work permit and can apply simultaneously with the principal applicant. They should note:

• The BOWP must be valid for longer than six months.
• For spouses/common-law partners of FSWC applicants, the principal applicant must be performing skilled work (NOC skill levels 0, A, or B).
• For spouses/common-law partners of PNP applicants, the work permit is valid for the duration of the principal PNP applicant's work permit, regardless of the skill level of the principal applicant’s occupation.
• For spouses/common-law partners of FSTC applicants, the principal applicant must be performing work that falls within NOC skill level B.
• For spouses/common-law partners of CEC applicants, there are no specific prerequisites related to the occupation skill level of the principal applicant.

Contact Visa Nexa for Immigration Assistance

Need Canadian immigration assistance? Visa Nexa Inc. is here to help. We can assess your eligibility and submit your application to the Canadian government. With over 10 years of expertise, Visa Nexa in Mississauga, Ontario has been helping clients achieve their dream of becoming Canadians. Our head offices are in Delhi (VISAWALK) and Chandigarh (The Mentors). Reach out to us today and take the first step toward your new life in Canada!

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