Applying for Bridging Open Work Permit Canada

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The bridging open work permit (BOWP) is an excellent opportunity given to the people who have applied for the PR in Canada but haven’t got any decision on their application yet, and their work status in Canada is going to expire soon. The BOWP lets the people keep working in Canada while they wait for a decision on their PR application.

bridging open work permit

Eligibility requirements to apply for BOWP are:

1.) You must have applied for PR through one of the following programs:

  • Express Entry
  • PNP
  • 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

2.) You must live in Canada (outside Quebec). If you are living in Quebec and applying for PR under Quebec skilled worker stream, then only you may be eligible to get BOWP

3.) hold a work permit that is going to expire in less than 4 months

4.) be the principal applicant on your PR application

5.) Have already received the AOR or provincial nomination (if required)

Spouses or common-law partners of bridging open work permit (BOWP) holders

If the principal foreign worker has obtained a bridging open work permit (BOWP), the following eligibility requirements apply:

All principal foreign workers’ work permits must be valid for 6 months or longer.

1.) For spouses or common-law partners of federal skilled worker class (FSWC) applicants, the BOWP holder must be performing work that falls within NOC skill type 0 or skill level A or B.

2.) For spouses or common-law partners of provincial nominee class (PNC) applicants, the spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit for the duration of the work permit held by the principal PNC applicant, irrespective of the skill level of the principal PNC applicant’s occupation.

3.) For spouses or common-law partners of federal skilled trades class (FSTC) applicants, the BOWP holder must be performing work that is within one of the skilled trade occupations in NOC skill level B.

4.) For spouses or common-law partners of Canadian experience class (CEC) applicants, there are no set preconditions to be met by the principal CEC applicant.

5.) For spouses or common-law partners of Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) applicants, the BOWP holder must be performing work that is at a level that falls within NOC skill type 0 or skill levels A or B.

Dependent children of an applicant in any of these economic classes must obtain an LMIA or have an LMIA exemption based on their specific situation in order to apply for a work permit.

Contact Us, if you need any assistance if applying for a bridging open work permit.