The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada allows foreign nationals to maintain employment in the country while awaiting a decision on their application for permanent residency.
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) enables foreign nationals already working in Canada to extend their status while their permanent residency application is pending. This permit is exclusively for those who have applied for permanent residency and already hold a valid work permit.
Upon approval, the BOWP grants an open work permit, allowing the holder the flexibility to work for various employers in different locations as desired.
To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), a foreign national must fulfill the following criteria
Have passed the section R10 completeness check for a QSWC application or Express Entry application, OR received a positive eligibility assessment after applying under an eligible non-Express Entry permanent residence stream.
The fee for a BOWP amounts to CAD 255, comprising $155 for processing, CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee, and an additional CAD 85 if biometrics are required.
While BOWPs generally allow foreign workers to be employed by any employer in Canada, there are exceptions for certain applicants:
BOWPs are typically issued for 24 months, with the possibility of extensions for 12 months if needed. However, the permit’s validity cannot exceed the applicant’s passport validity.
Inclusion of Spouse and Dependents
Spouses of BOWP holders may apply for an open work permit, while dependent children can accompany the principal applicant by applying for a visitor record.
BOWP applicants must apply online through their IRCC secure account in most cases. However, paper applications are also accepted for those facing online application issues.
Express Entry applicants can apply for a BOWP upon receiving their Acknowledgement of Receipt letter. QSWC applicants must wait until passing the completeness check stage of their application.
Required documents include the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter, provincial nomination certificate (if applicable), marriage certificate, passport copy, and proof of payment for government fees, among others.
Since August 2021, temporary foreign workers holding a Quebec Acceptance Certificate may apply for a BOWP while residing in Quebec, provided they meet specific conditions.
Processing Time
Typically, BOWPs are processed within 3-4 months from the application submission date.
Applicants must be residing in Canada to apply for a BOWP. Also, a BOWP alone cannot serve as a travel document, and individuals must possess a valid eTA or temporary resident visa to re-enter Canada.
Possible Reasons for Rejection
Incomplete permanent residence applications and eligibility issues are common reasons for BOWP rejections.
Foreign nationals can work under-maintained status if their current work permit expires before a decision on their BOWP application is made.
Extensions of BOWPs for 12 months are possible if a permanent residence application is still pending upon expiry. Additionally, transitioning from a closed permit to a BOWP is feasible if eligibility requirements are met.
If a permanent residence application is denied while holding a valid BOWP, the individual can continue working on the permit unless it is revoked.
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