Bridging Open Work Permit

 

If you're waiting for your permanent residency (PR) application to be approved, you can continue working in Canada by applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This special permit ensures there’s no gap in your employment, allowing you to work legally even after your current work permit expires, until a decision is made on your PR application.

Benefits of a Bridging Open Work Permit

• Seamless continuation of your employment while awaiting the results of your PR application.
• The previous restriction requiring your work permit to expire within four months to apply for a BOWP has been removed.
• Your work permit remains valid even if your PR application is rejected or refused.
• You can apply for a BOWP even if you are on maintained status or eligible for restoration.

Eligibility Criteria for a Bridging Open Work Permit

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), you must meet the following requirements:

• Be physically present in Canada with valid authorization to enter as a worker.
• Fulfill one of these conditions at the time of your application:
  • Hold valid temporary resident status with a valid work permit.
  • Have maintained status and authorization to work after applying to renew your work permit.
  • Be eligible to restore your temporary resident status.
• You must have submitted a PR application as the principal applicant under one of these categories:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
  • Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (before June 18, 2019)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) without employer-specific nomination restrictions
  • Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
  • Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC) with a valid Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) at the time of PR application submission
  • Home Childcare Provider Pilot (HCCPP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP), provided you’ve received a positive eligibility decision (approval in principle) after completing the required work experience.
• You must have reached the appropriate stage of your PR application, depending on your category:
  • For Express Entry applicants (e.g., FSWC, CEC, FSTC, PNP under Express Entry): your electronic PR application (e-APR) must have passed the Completeness Check.
  • For Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC) applicants: your PR application must have passed the Completeness Check.
  • For non-Express Entry applicants or pilots (e.g., Caring for Children, Agri-Food Pilot, PNP without Express Entry, HCCPP, HSWP): you must have received a positive eligibility assessment for your PR application submitted online or by mail.

How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit

1. After submitting your PR application, gather all required documents that demonstrate your eligibility for a BOWP based on your PR category.
2. Pay the applicable IRCC fees for an open work permit. If applying during the restoration period, a separate restoration fee will be required.
3. Submit your completed application to IRCC.
4. Wait for IRCC to process and assess your application.

Need Assistance?

Have you received a refusal? Don’t worry. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in handling previously refused cases. While we do not provide jobs for LMIA, we can help if you already have a job offer. Many of our clients with multiple past refusals have successfully obtained approvals through our services. We take a customized approach to address each concern raised by immigration officers in previous refusals. By utilizing case law and referencing similar successful cases, we ensure the best possible outcome for your application.

At Waymark Immigration, our team of dedicated visa specialists is here to support you every step of the way—from the initial application process to obtaining your visa. Ready to start your journey? Contact us today!