Bridging Open Work Permit - Themillenniumimmigration

How to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows workers to remain in Canada while their application for permanent residence is being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Canada’s Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) helps immigrants prepare for their future by allowing them to work while their permanent residence application is processed. This comprehensive CanadaVisa page offers an overview of the application process for obtaining a BOWP.

Overview
Eligibility for Bridging Open Work Permits
Spouse or Common-law Partner and Dependants
Employment Location
Contact Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

Overview

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals in Canada to continue working while their permanent residence application is processed. Eligible applicants must hold a valid work permit and have maintained their status or be eligible to restore their temporary resident status. Those applying under economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Program can benefit from this flexibility. The BOWP not only supports applicants and their families but also benefits Canadian communities and employers by allowing skilled workers to remain in the labor market without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Eligibility for Bridging Open Work Permits

To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. The foreign national must be in Canada with authorized temporary resident status.
2. They must have:
A valid work permit, or
Maintained status with authorization to work under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) after submitting a work permit renewal application, or
Be eligible to restore their temporary resident status with work authorization.
3. They must have submitted an Application for Permanent Residence (APR) as the principal applicant under one of the following programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Provincial Nominee Program
Quebec Skilled Workers
Agri-Food Pilot Program
Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (submitted before June 18, 2019).
4. They must have completed the necessary APR stage, such as:
Passing the completeness check for Express Entry applications,
Passing the completeness check for Quebec skilled worker applications, or
Receiving a positive eligibility assessment for APRs submitted by mail or online under specific classes or programs.

Spouse or Common-law Partner and Dependants

For a spouse of a BOWP holder to be eligible for an open work permit, the following conditions must be met:

1. The spouse must hold a valid work permit or be authorized to work in Canada without a work permit under Section 186(w) of the IRPR.
2. They must be authorized to work in Canada for at least six months after the spousal open work permit application is received.
3. They must be employed in one of the following:
– A job under National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Levels 0, A, or B.
– A NOC 0, A, B, or C application under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
– Any occupation while formally holding a provincial nomination certificate.
– Any occupation while formally holding a Quebec Selection Certificate.
4. They must physically reside in Canada or plan to do so while employed.
5. They must be in a genuine relationship with their spouse or common-law partner.

Note that dependent children are not eligible for an open work permit and must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or have an LMIA exemption based on their situation to apply for a work permit.

Employment Location

IRCC has specific rules regarding employment locations for BOWP applicants:

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For applicants under a PNP, the BOWP will restrict employment to the nominating province. The province and the specific city of employment must be indicated on the work permit.
Quebec: For applicants selected by Quebec as skilled workers, the work permit must specify Quebec as the place of employment.

Contact THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION for Assistance

Need help with a work permit? THE MILLENNIUM IMMIGRATION can assist you! With over 11 years of experience, we specialize in helping workers and employers navigate Canadian work permit processes.

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