Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Stay & Work in Canada

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Maintain Your Status in Canada

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a vital pathway for foreign nationals already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence. It allows you to continue working legally in Canada while Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes your permanent residence application. This permit acts as a 'bridge,' ensuring there's no gap in your authorization to work, preventing the need to leave Canada, switch to visitor status, or seek an employer-specific Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

At Samakav Immigration Corp., we understand the importance of maintaining your professional life and stability during your immigration journey. Our regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) are here to guide you through the BOWP application process, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria and submit a strong application.

Benefits of a Bridging Open Work Permit

A BOWP offers significant advantages for individuals transitioning to permanent residency in Canada:

• Uninterrupted Employment: Continue working for your current employer or find new opportunities without interruption, maintaining your income and professional development.
• Flexibility: As an open work permit, it generally allows you to work for any eligible employer across Canada, providing greater freedom in the job market. (Note: Provincial Nominee Program and Quebec Skilled Worker applicants may have provincial restrictions.)
• Family Stability: Eligible spouses or common-law partners may also apply for an open work permit, allowing your family to remain and work together in Canada.
• Economic Contribution: You can continue contributing to the Canadian economy and society while awaiting your permanent resident decision.
• Seamless Transition: It provides a smooth bridge from temporary resident status to permanent resident status, reducing stress and uncertainty.

Eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit

To be considered for a BOWP as a principal applicant, you must meet specific criteria:

• Physical Presence in Canada: You must be physically present in Canada when you apply.
• Valid Temporary Resident Status: You must currently hold a valid work permit, have maintained status with work authorization (implied status), or be eligible to restore your temporary resident status with work authorization.
• Submitted Permanent Residence Application: You must have submitted an Application for Permanent Residence (APR) as the principal applicant under one of the following eligible economic immigration programs:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – non-Express Entry stream
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
  • Agri-Food Pilot Program
• APR Processing Stage: Your permanent residence application must have passed a completeness check (for Express Entry and QSWP applications) or received a positive eligibility assessment (for mailed/online applications under Agri-Food Pilot or non-Express Entry PNP streams).

Spouse/Common-Law Partner Eligibility

Your spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible for an open work permit if you, the BOWP holder, meet certain conditions:

• Hold a valid work permit or are authorized to work without a permit.
• Are authorized to work for at least 6 months after their open work permit application is received.
• Are employed in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B), or for specific programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program, PNP, or QSWP, other NOC levels may apply.
• Are physically residing in Canada or plan to.
• Are in a genuine relationship.

Please note that dependent children are generally not eligible for an open work permit and would typically require an LMIA or LMIA exemption based on their specific situation to obtain a work permit.

Application Process for a BOWP

While the specific steps can vary, the general process for applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit involves:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the criteria for the principal applicant and that your permanent residence application is at the required stage.
2. Gather Documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents, including proof of your PR application submission, current work permit, and personal identification.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the BOWP application form accurately and completely.
4. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable processing fees.
5. Submit Your Application: Submit your application online before your current work permit expires. If your permit is about to expire, applying for a BOWP can grant you maintained status, allowing you to continue working under the conditions of your previous permit until a decision is made.

It is crucial to apply for your BOWP before your current work permit expires to avoid losing your authorization to work. Our team can help you prepare and submit a complete and accurate application, minimizing delays and potential issues.

Work Location Restrictions

For certain permanent residence programs, there are specific restrictions on where you can work with a BOWP:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): If you applied under a PNP, your BOWP will restrict your employment location to the nominating province.
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): If you were selected by Quebec as a skilled worker, your BOWP will restrict your employment location to the province of Quebec.

Ready to Apply for Your Bridging Open Work Permit?

Don't let your work authorization lapse while awaiting your permanent residence decision. The BOWP is a critical tool for maintaining your stability in Canada. Contact Samakav Immigration Corp. today for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and professional assistance with your Bridging Open Work Permit application. Our RCICs are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration with confidence.

Schedule a consultation with Samakav Immigration Corp.