A Bridging open work permit allows its holder to continue working in Canada while they await the approval of their permanent residency application. Being an open work permit, applicants do not need an employment offer or a Labour market impact assessment (LMIA).
Can I apply for a Bridging Open Work permit?
You can apply for BOWP if you have applied for permanent residency under any of the following programs:
- Express entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Provincial nominee program
- Quebec skilled workers
- Home Child-care provider pilot or Home Support Worker pilot
- Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
- Agri-Food pilot
The BOWP allows PR applicants to extend their work permit in Canada since the processing time for Permanent residency applications can stretch over a year or more.
What are the General requirements for a Bridging Open work permit?
The Bridging open work permit is only issued to people who have already applied for permanent residency under eligible programs. Their application must also be made in Canada as a legal temporary resident.
The General requirements for applicants under all programs are as follows. The applicant must:
- Live in Canada as a temporary resident at the time of application
- Fulfil one of the following conditions:
- Have a valid work permit
- Currently applying to renew their work permit
- Eligible to restore their temporary resident status and get a work permit.
- Be the principal applicant on their permanent residency application
- Pass the section R10 completeness check of their application.
- Have received their acknowledgement of receipt letter from the IRCC.
Who is not eligible for a Bridging open work permit?
Any applicant not fulfilling all the requirements specified above is not eligible for a Bridging open work permit.
Other ineligible candidates are:
- Foreign nationals who are already exempt from work permit requirements as specified under section R186.
- Foreign nationals applying from a port of entry or visa office
- Spouses of principal permanent residence applicants.
- Foreign nationals who are inadmissible to Canada.
Specific eligibility requirements for Provincial Nominees
Provincial nominees are only eligible for the BOWP if they:
- Have a copy of their nomination letter that indicates their employment is unrestricted.
- Selected “Open work permit” on their application
An individual holding a BOWP under the PNP can only seek employment within the nominating province.
Specific requirements and conditions for Quebec skilled workers
The Bridging open work permit (BOWP) was opened to applicants for permanent residency under the Quebec skilled worker class (QSWC) in Sep 2021.
Candidates selected under this program must submit a copy of their Certificat de selection du Quebec (CSQ) when applying for a Bridging open work permit.
A BOWP for a QSWC applicant restricts the applicant to only working within the province of Quebec.
What is the duration of a Bridging open work permit?
A BOWP lasts for a duration of 24 months or the applicant’s passport validity.
How to apply
Eligible candidates can apply for a BOWP online.
You’ll have to create an account to submit your application, clear your fees and get updates on the status of your application.
When given the option to select the type of work permit, pick the Open work permit.
How much does a Bridging open work permit cost?
The fees for a bridging open work permit are as follows:
- Work permit fee -$155
- Open work permit holder fee -$100
What is the processing time for a Bridging open work permit?
The BOWP has a processing time of 168 days.
