Bridging Open Work Permit In Canada – A Complete Guide

The Bridging Open Work Permit is a unique type of permit that allows international skilled workers working in Canada to extend their residency status in Canada while they await the decision on your Canada PR application. 

The BOWP is designed for only those candidates who want to get a Canada PR and hold a 

work permit. 

A successful BOWP application grants an open work permit (OWP), enabling a candidate to work for multiple Canadian employers.

This article will provide you with every detail about the BOWP, its eligibility criteria, document requirements, and others. 

Eligibility Criteria Of Bridging Open Work Permit 

To become an eligible candidate for the BOWP, the candidate must: 

1. The candidate should be in Canada on a valid temporary residency status. 
2. The candidate must meet the following criteria: 

• Should have a valid work permit 
• Should have applied to renew work permit and are on maintained status in Canada  
• The candidate should be eligible to restore their temporary status and to get a work permit. 

3. The candidate should have applied to renew their temporary work permit and be in a maintained status in Canada. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program(FSWP) 
• Federal Skilled Trade Program(FSTP) 
• Canadian Experience Class(CEC) 
• Provincial Nominee Program(PNP) 
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program(QSWP) 
• Agri-food Pilot Program 

The candidate must pass the R10 completeness check for a QSWC or Express Entry application or have a positive eligibility assessment under an eligible non-express entry permanent residency stream. 

Documents Requirement For The Bridging Open Work Permit 

The document requirement for the BOWP may vary based on the type of Canadian open work permit you are applying for. However, the general document requirement for the BOWP includes the following: 

1. AOR(Acknowledgement of Receipt) letter 
2. Provincial Nomination Certificate(If applicable) 
3. Quebec Certificate Acceptance (If applicable) 
4. Signed employment contract (if live-in caregiver)
5. Completed application forms
6. Proof of status in Canada
7. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
8. Copy of valid passport
9. Medical examination report (if requested)
10. Proof of payment for applicable government fees

Condition Of IRCC On Employment Location 

Open Work Permits (OWPs) provide flexibility in employer selection and job changes, but Bridging OWP holders can apply for two specific conditions based on employment location. 

• For the Provincial Nominee Program Applicant 

The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) says candidates with a Bridging Open Work Permit are restricted to employment locations within the nominated province or territory. 

• For Quebec Applicant 

The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program requires applicants to designate Quebec as their place of employment when applying for a BOWP.  

When And How To Apply For A BOWP? 

Candidates can apply for the BOWP online through their IRCC secure account, and if they encounter issues while applying online, they can submit a paper application. 

Express-entry candidates can apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit once they receive their AOR letter via their IRCC MyPortal account. However, candidates for the Quebec Skilled Workers program should hold off until after their application has passed the completeness verification step.   

Fee For The BOWP 

Candidates applying for the BOWP should pay the following fee; 

• Processing fee for Open Work Permit: CAD 155 
• Holder fee for the OWP: CAD 100 

Processing Time For The BOWP 

The processing time for the BOWP can be up to 3-4 months. However, it may vary based on immigration applications, Canadian Immigration policies, and the candidate’s nationality. 

Validity Period Of The Bridging Open Work Permit 

Typically, bridging open work permits are granted for 24 months. You may be given a 12-month extension if processing your application for permanent residence in Canada takes longer than the BOWP’s validity. Be aware that a Bridging Open Work Permit will not be granted after your passport has expired.

In conclusion, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a Canadian permit that allows international skilled workers to extend their residency status in Canada while waiting for a Canada PR application. Eligibility criteria include valid temporary residency, valid work permit, renewal, and restoration of temporary status. Document requirements include an AOR letter, Provincial Nomination Certificate, Quebec Certificate Acceptance, signed employment contract, and proof of government fee payment.

For more details about the BOWP, contact the Province Immigration via info@provinceimmigration.com or +91 98961 96762