Applied for Permanent Residency
Submitted a permanent residence (PR) application under an eligible program
Bridging Open Work Permit
The Ultimate Guide on BOWPs
Allows foreign nationals to keep working while their PR application is being processed.
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Updates on BOWP
The Bridging Open Work Permit processing time varies but usually takes 3 to 5 months. This permit cannot usually be extended, so applicants must seek alternative options if their PR application is delayed.
#Fundamentals
Eligibility for Bridging Open Work Permit
The processing times and overall process of the BOWP program can vary depending on several factors. In order to apply a foreign national must first meet the following conditions.
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Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR)
Received a confirmation (AOR) that IRCC has processed your PR application.
Inside Canada
Be physically present in Canada when applying
Eligible Streams
Applied for FSWP | CEC | FST | PNP | AFP | QSWC
Understanding the Program
What is Bridging Open Work Permit?
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a valuable option for foreign nationals working in Canada who are transitioning from temporary to permanent residency. It allows workers to extend their legal status and continue working while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency (PR) application.
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Students, you must know!
Who does not qualify for BOWP?
- -No PR Application: You must have a PR application in process with IRCC (Eligible Streams)
- –Work Permit Exempt: If you’re working without a permit (e.g., religious or business visitor).
- -Application Location: You can’t apply at a border, port of entry, or overseas.
- -Spouses & Dependents: They don’t qualify for a BOWP but can apply under other categories.
- -Inadmissibility: You’re ineligible if inadmissible to Canada.
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Eligible for BOWP in Canada?
- -Valid Work Permit: You must be in Canada with a valid work permit, maintain status, or be eligible to restore your status as a worker.
- -Pending Permanent Residence Application: You must have submitted a complete PR application under one of these categories.
| Program | Document Required |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | AOR needed |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | AOR needed |
| Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) | AOR needed |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | AOR needed |
| Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) | Approved In Principle (AIP) |
| Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC) | CSQ and PR with “E” |
| Home Child Care Provider Pilot (HCCPP) or Home Support Worker Pilot (HSWP) | AIP letter needed |
- Application Acknowledgment: You must have received an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) or an approval in principle (AIP) after submitting your PR application, depending on your PR program.
Application Fee FOR BOWP
The fee for an open work permit is CAD $255 (CAD $155 for the processing fee and CAD $100 for the open work permit holder fee)
FAQs & Tips
Validity: A Bridging Open Work Permit is typically valid for up to 24 months or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. You may be eligible for an extension if your permanent residency application is still being processed.
Extension: If your BOWP expires before your PR application is approved, IRCC may issue extensions in 12-month increments.
There are 3 fees involved with a BOWP application:
- The work permit fee of $155
- The open work permit fee of $100
- The biometrics fee of $85, applicable to those who have not submitted biometrics for a temporary application within the past ten years
Common Reasons for BOWP Refusal:
- Ineligibility to Apply: The applicant either didn’t have a PR application in process or applied for a BOWP before their PR application reached the required processing stage.
- Incomplete PR Application: The PR application was rejected for being incomplete.
- PNP Applicants: Limited to working in the nominating province.
- Quebec Applicants (QSWC): Restricted to employment within Quebec.
- General Rule: Most open work permits allow working for any employer, but location limits apply in these cases.
Bridging open work permits are typically valid for 24 months. If your permanent residence application takes longer to process, extensions may be granted for up to 12 months. However, a BOWP cannot be issued past the expiration date of your passport.
If a BOWP holder is working in a skilled occupation in Canada, their spouse can apply for an open work permit, and dependent children can join them by applying for a visitor record.
- Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter
- Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) (if applicable)
- Signed employment contract (if live-in caregiver)
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Valid copy of your passport
- Medical exam results (if requested)
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
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