BOWP Canada: Continue Working While Waiting for PR Approval

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit that allows the eligible permanent residence applicants to remain legally employed in Canada while their permanent residence application is getting processed.  It bridges the gap between the expiry of work permit and the final decision regarding the PR application. A BOWP is an open work permit and generally allows the holder to work for most employers in Canada without requiring a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).  It helps to avoid employment interruptions and also to obtain a steady income while waiting for PR approval. Applicants have to meet specific Bridging Open Work Permit requirements and apply for BOWP before their current work permit expires to continue to work while awaiting a PR application decision.

Who is Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit Canada?

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit an applicant must generally meet the following requirements:

• The foreign national applicant must be residing in Canada after being lawfully admitted as a temporary resident.
• The applicant must hold a valid work permit or be authorized to continue working under maintained status.
• The applicant must be the principal applicant in an eligible permanent residence program.
• The applicant has to meet the required processing stage of the PR application before applying for the BOWP.
• Applicants must also have submitted a complete PR application and received confirmation that the application has passed the required completeness/eligibility stage depending on the immigration category.

Express Entry applicants: Their electronic Application for Permanent Residence (APR) must have successfully passed the completeness check required under Section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicants: Their permanent residence application must have passed the federal completeness check under section 10 of the IRPR.

Applicants under certain non-Express Entry programs: Those applying through the Caring for Children Class, Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class, the Agri-Food Pilot, or a non-Express Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream must have received a positive eligibility assessment for their permanent residence application submitted either online or by mail.

Permanent Residence Programs Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Applicants may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit Canada if they have submitted a permanent residence application under one of the eligible immigration programs and meet all other eligibility requirements:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Agri-Food Pilot (for eligible applicants)
• Caring for Children Class and Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class (for eligible applications submitted before June 18, 2019)

Can Your Spouse or Common-Law Partner Apply for an Open Work Permit After You Receive a BOWP?

Your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit if the principal applicant meets IRCC requirements which are:

• The principal applicant currently holds a valid work permit or be authorized to work in Canada under applicable immigration rules.
• The principal applicant must be employed:

1. In an eligible occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC), including TEER 0, TEER 1, and certain eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations. OR
2. In an eligible occupation that meets the requirements for the applicable Atlantic Immigration Program-related work permit provisions. OR
3. Hold a valid provincial nomination or meet the requirements of an eligible provincial nominee pathway, where applicable OR
4. Hold a valid Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) and meet the requirements of the applicable Quebec immigration and work permit provisions.

• The principal applicant is living or plans to live in Canada while employed.
• The principal applicant must demonstrate a genuine marital or common-law relationship.

Dependent children: They are not generally eligible for an open work permit through the BOWP program. If they want to work in Canada they must qualify under their own immigration category or work permit provisions.

Employment Location Restrictions Based on Your Immigration Program

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants

Applicants who are nominated under a Provincial Nominee Program may have employment location restrictions on their Bridging Open Work Permit Canada. The employment location on the work permit must correspond to the nominating province or territory, and the applicant must work within that designated location. When applying, the applicant must select the nominating province as the province of destination and choose the corresponding city of destination option to accurately reflect the approved employment location.

Quebec Skilled Worker Applicants

Applicants applying for permanent residence through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program may qualify for a BOWP. When completing the work permit application, they must select Quebec as the employment location.

How Immilaw Immigration Can Help with Your Bridging Open Work Permit Application

With a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), eligible foreign nationals who have submitted their PR application and are waiting for a decision can continue to work in Canada while their application is being processed. Applying for a BOWP properly is very important. The applicant has to meet the Bridging Open Work Permit requirements, select the correct application type, ensure accuracy in documentation and must meet the IRCC regulations. 

ImmiLaw Immigration will guide in your BOWP application process. Our professional team will assess your eligibility and review the documents, and we will check that your application is complete, accurate, and is prepared in compliance with current immigration requirements.

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