Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Continue Working in Canada
Maintain your legal work status in Canada while your permanent residency application is processed. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) offers continuity and flexibility for eligible applicants.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Your Path to Continued Work in Canada
For foreign nationals already working in Canada and awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a crucial pathway. This permit allows you to maintain your legal work status and continue contributing to the Canadian economy without interruption, bridging the gap between your expiring work permit and the finalization of your permanent residency.
At Samakav Immigration Corp, we understand the importance of seamless transitions. Our regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) are here to guide you through the BOWP application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and submit a strong application.
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special type of open work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Its primary purpose is to enable eligible foreign workers in Canada to continue working while their application for permanent residence (APR) is being processed. This initiative benefits both applicants and Canadian communities by allowing skilled individuals to remain employed and settled in Canada, preparing for their eventual permanent residency.
Key Benefits of Securing a BOWP
- Uninterrupted Employment: Continue working legally in Canada without a break, avoiding the need to leave the country or switch to visitor status.
- Flexibility: As an open work permit, a BOWP allows you to work for any eligible employer across Canada, offering greater freedom in your career path.
- No LMIA Required: Unlike many other work permits, a BOWP does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), simplifying the application process.
- Family Inclusion: In certain circumstances, your spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible for an open work permit, allowing your family to remain together and contribute to Canada.
- Preparation for Settlement: A BOWP provides stability, allowing you to further integrate into Canadian society and the labour market while awaiting your permanent residence decision.
Eligibility Requirements for a Bridging Open Work Permit
To be considered for a BOWP, you must meet specific criteria as the principal applicant for permanent residence:
- Physical Presence in Canada: You must currently be in Canada.
- Valid Temporary Resident Status: You must hold a valid work permit, have maintained status with work authorization (due to a work permit renewal application), or be eligible to restore your temporary resident status with work authorization.
- Permanent Residence Application (APR) Submitted: You must have submitted an 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
- Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (if submitted before June 18, 2019)
- APR Processing Stage: Your APR must have passed a completeness check (for Express Entry or QSWP applications) or received a positive eligibility assessment (for mail/online applications under Agri-Food Pilot, non-Express Entry PNP, or caregiver programs).
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Eligibility
Your spouse or common-law partner may also be eligible for an open work permit if you, as the BOWP holder, meet certain conditions, including holding a valid work permit for at least 6 months, being employed in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, B, or C under AIP), residing in Canada, and being in a genuine relationship.
Dependant Children
It's important to note that dependant children are generally not eligible for an open work permit under the BOWP provisions. They would typically require an LMIA or an LMIA exemption based on their specific situation to obtain a work permit.
Employment Location Restrictions
For applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the BOWP may restrict your employment location to the nominating province (for PNP) or the province of Quebec (for QSWP).
The BOWP Application Process
Applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit involves careful preparation and submission of supporting documents. While the process generally includes:
- Ensuring your permanent residence application meets the required processing stage.
- Gathering all necessary personal and immigration documents.
- Completing the BOWP application form accurately.
- Paying the applicable government fees.
- Submitting your application to IRCC.
Navigating these steps can be complex. Our RCICs at Samakav Immigration Corp provide comprehensive support, from assessing your eligibility to preparing and submitting your application, ensuring all details are meticulously handled.
Secure Your Future in Canada with Samakav Immigration Corp
Don't let your work authorization lapse while awaiting your permanent residence decision. A Bridging Open Work Permit can provide the continuity you need. As a regulated Canadian immigration consulting firm (RCIC-IRB R523726), Samakav Immigration Corp is committed to providing expert, ethical, and personalized guidance.
Ready to Secure Your BOWP?
Contact Samakav Immigration Corp today for a consultation. Let us help you understand your eligibility and guide you through every step of obtaining your Bridging Open Work Permit, ensuring your journey to permanent residency in Canada is as smooth as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada?
To be eligible for a BOWP, you must be in Canada, hold valid temporary resident status, and have submitted a permanent residence application under an eligible economic program (e.g., Express Entry, PNP) that has passed a completeness check or received a positive eligibility assessment.
What is the main purpose of a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?
The BOWP allows foreign nationals in Canada to continue working legally while their application for permanent residence is being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), preventing a gap in their work authorization.
Which permanent residence programs are eligible for a BOWP?
Eligible programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Program (non-Express Entry), Quebec Skilled Worker Program, and the Agri-Food Pilot Program, among others.
Can my spouse or common-law partner also get an open work permit if I have a BOWP?
Yes, in certain situations, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you, as the BOWP holder, meet specific conditions related to your work permit validity, occupation skill level, and genuine relationship.
Are there any restrictions on where I can work with a BOWP?
For applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Quebec Skilled Worker Program, your BOWP may restrict your employment location to the nominating province or the province of Quebec, respectively.
Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to get a BOWP?
No, one of the key benefits of a BOWP is that it is an LMIA-exempt work permit, simplifying the application process compared to many other work permit categories.
What happens if my current work permit expires before my BOWP is approved?
If you apply for a BOWP before your current work permit expires, you may be eligible for 'maintained status' (formerly implied status), allowing you to continue working under the conditions of your previous permit until a decision is made on your BOWP application.