Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Canada

Overview of the Canada Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

• What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Who is eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Bridging Open Work Permit fees
• Can I work anywhere in Canada with a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• What is the validity period of a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Can I add my spouse and dependents to my Bridging Open Work Permit application?

Application for Bridging Open Work Permit

• How to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• When can I apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Checklist of documents for the Bridging Open Work Permit
• Can I apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit from Quebec?
• Processing time for Bridging Open Work Permit applications

FAQ about the Bridging Open Work Permit

• Can I leave Canada with a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Can I apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit from outside Canada?
• Why was my Bridging Open Work Permit rejected?
• Can I apply for permanent residency with a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• What happens if my Bridging Open Work Permit expires while my permanent residency application is being processed?
• Can I work while waiting to obtain a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Can I transition from a closed permit to a Bridging Open Work Permit?
• Can a Bridging Open Work Permit be extended?
• What happens to my Bridging Open Work Permit if my permanent residency application is refused?

The Canada Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals currently employed in Canada to extend their status while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application. This permit is only available to individuals who already have a valid work permit and have submitted a permanent residency application. Once the BOWP application is approved, the holder receives an open work permit, allowing them to work for multiple employers and at various locations of their choice.

To apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), a foreign national must meet the following conditions:

• Reside in Canada with a valid temporary resident status.
• Meet one of the following criteria:
  • Hold a valid work permit with ongoing temporary resident status.
  • Have submitted a renewal application for their work permit and be in implied status in Canada.
  • Be eligible for restoration of temporary resident status with a work authorization on a work permit.
  • Have submitted a Canadian permanent residency application as the principal applicant in one of the following categories:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Federal Skilled Trades Program
    • Caregiver category or High Medical Needs category (before June 18, 2019)
    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (if there are no employer restrictions on the nomination)
    • Agri-Food Pilot Program (AFPP)
    • Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Have passed the full R10 assessment for a QSWP application or an Express Entry application, OR received a positive eligibility assessment after applying under an eligible permanent residency process other than Express Entry.

The fees for an open work permit are CAD 255:

• CAD 155 for processing fees
• CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee.

Open work permits generally allow foreign workers to work for any employer in Canada. However, there are certain exceptions regarding the workplace for some applicants:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants: The work location for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is limited to the province specified in the PNP.
• Quebec candidates: For individuals applying under the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), the work location mentioned on the BOWP is restricted to the province of Quebec.

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is generally granted for a duration of 24 months. If the processing of the permanent residency application exceeds this period, extensions of 12 months may be granted.

However, a BOWP will not be issued beyond the validity period of the applicant’s passport.

If the holder of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is currently employed in Canada in a skilled profession, their spouse can apply for an open work permit. Additionally, dependent children can accompany the BOWP holder by applying for a visitor record.

Express Entry candidates who wish to obtain a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) can apply as soon as they receive the acknowledgment of receipt through their IRCC My Account.

Applicants in the Quebec Skilled Worker category must wait for confirmation that their application file is complete before they can submit their BOWP application.

The required documents for a Canadian work permit application vary depending on the type of permit requested. Applicants may be required to provide the following documents:

• Acknowledgment of Receipt (AR) letter
• Provincial Nominee Program certificate (if applicable)
• Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Signed employment contract (for live-in caregivers, if applicable)
• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Valid copy of your passport
• Medical exam results (if required)
• Proof of payment of applicable government fees

A Bridging Open Work Permit allows foreigners to work in Canada, but it cannot be used as a standalone travel document. To return to Canada with a BOWP, foreigners must also possess a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a temporary resident visa.

Foreigners must reside in Canada to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

One common reason for the rejection of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is the submission of an incomplete permanent residency application. Since permanent residency applications must undergo a completeness check to verify their eligibility, incomplete applications can lead to the rejection of the BOWP.

One of the main conditions to obtain a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is that the applicant has already submitted a permanent residency (PR) application. Therefore, there is no need to submit a new PR application.

If your Bridging Open Work Permit expires while your permanent residency application is being processed, you will be considered out of status. In this case, you will need to apply to restore your status as a worker in Canada.

A foreigner must submit their application for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) before their current work permit expires. If the work permit expires before a final decision is made on the BOWP application, they may continue to work in Canada under implied status until a decision is made. However, if the BOWP application is rejected, the foreigner must immediately cease working in Canada. Working without a valid permit can jeopardize all future immigration applications to Canada.

It is possible to switch from a closed work permit to a Bridging Open Work Permit, provided that the required eligibility criteria are met.

If a permanent residency application is not finalized before the expiration of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), IRCC may grant extensions of 12 months.

If your permanent residency application is rejected while you hold a valid Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), you can continue to work with that permit as long as it remains in effect and is not revoked.