A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working in Canada during the processing of your application for permanent residency.

 

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Overview

The BOWP is intended to bridge the gap between the expiration of an individual’s current work permit and the final decision on their application for permanent residency. The BOWP is usually valid for 24 months. But if the PR application processing time takes longer than the validity of a BOWP, applicants can extend their BOWP for 12 months. 

It’s important to note that not all individuals who have applied for permanent residency are eligible for a BOWP.

 

Bridging Open Work Permit: Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit if:

• You are currently in Canada after being authorized to enter as a temporary resident
• You meet one of the following criteria at the time of submission:
  • Have valid temporary resident status and authorization to work as the holder of a valid work permit
  • Have maintained status and authorization to work as a result of submitting an application to renew their work permit
  • Be eligible to restore their temporary resident status with authorization to work on a work permit
• You have submitted an Application for Permanent Residence (APR) as the principal applicant under one of the following classes:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST)
  • Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot
  • Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
  • Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)
• You have completed one of the following APR stages depending on your class:
  • Electronic application for permanent residence (e-APR) submitted under Express Entry has passed the completeness check. This applies to the following classes:
    • FSW
    • CEC
    • FST
    • PNP (where the applicant is accepted through the provincial or territorial Express Entry stream)
  • APR under the RSWP has passed the completeness check
  • Receipt of a positive eligibility assessment on your non-Express Entry APR submitted by mail or online under one of the following classes:
    • Caring for children
    • Caring for people with high medical needs
    • AFP
    • PNP (where the applicant does not qualify for Express Entry)

If you applied through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and have employment restrictions as the conditions of your nomination, you are not eligible to get a Bridging Open Work Permit. 

 

Why Is BOWP Beneficial?

A BOWP is beneficial for the federal government, Canadian communities, and employers, as well as applicants and their families because otherwise applicants and their dependents (spouse and children) would have to either leave Canada temporarily, stay in Canada under visitor status, or find an employer willing to go through the process of applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

An open work permit, which allows its bearer to work for any employer in Canada, is preferable as it provides applicants with better flexibility to integrate and navigate the Canadian labour market, given that they have already been found eligible for permanent residence and are currently working in Canada.

 

Bridging Open Work Permit: FAQs

Can I work anywhere with BOWP?

Yes, you can work for any employer and anywhere in Canada with a bridging open work permit. 

 

How long is BOWP?

BOWP is usually valid for 24 months. 

 

Can I apply for a BOWP outside of Canada?

No, applicants must be living in Canada when apply for a BOWP.