Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada – BOWP
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The concept of an open work permit in Canada is exciting. Of course, an open work permit means you may work for any employer. However, not many people qualify for an open work permit. A Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada, also known as BOWP, is one option to qualify.
- What is an open work permit?
- What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
- Qualifying permanent resident applications for BOWP
- The application process for Bridging Open Work Permit
- What about the family members?
- Let us help!
What is an open work permit?
A foreign national who holds an open work permit may work for any employer. However, open work permits could include restrictive clauses. For example,
- you may only work in a specific region in Canada,
- the work could be under certain NOC codes, or
- you may not work in the healthcare sector or with children.
Of course, this list is neither inclusive nor exclusive. You may also read my article on this subject for more information.
What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A BOWP allows you to remain in Canada and work for any employer. Of course, you could qualify for this open work permit if you
- have submitted a qualifying permanent resident application as the principal applicant;
- hold a valid work permit that will expire in less than four months; and
- are currently residing in Canada.
You must submit a work permit application in Canada. You must also include all the necessary documents and pay the processing fee (currently $255). Moreover, you may need to pay $85 for biometrics.
Qualifying permanent resident applications for BOWP
The qualifying PR applications for a Bridging Open Work Permit include:
- Express Entry (EE) options, namely:
- Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
- Quebec skilled workers (QSWC)
- Provincial Nominee Class (PNC), if there are no employer restrictions on nominations.
- Start-up visa (conditions apply)
- TR to PR Pathway
- Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class if you applied before June 18, 2019
IRCC may accept applications under the Caregiver Pilot Program if they show 24 months or more work experience in Canada. Of course, by Caregiver Pilot, I mean the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot. Regardless, this group may apply if they also meet one of the following requirements:
- have a valid work permit,
- be on implied status, or
- be eligible for restoration.
Of course, the status list only applies to Caregiver Pilot applicants. Consequently, the rest of the applicants must have a valid work permit at the time of application.
The application process for Bridging Open Work Permit
Most in-Canada applicants must submit their work permit applications online. Of course, BOWP is no exception. However, you may apply on paper if you have a disability or another valid reason that prevents you from an online application. The process is similar to a regular work permit application. You create an online application and upload all the files and forms. Of course, you may consider hiring a professional if you don’t know how to do it.
What about the family members?
Sometimes you have family members. Consequently, you could apply for the following:
- An open work permit for your spouse or common-law partner
- Visitor records for your minor children
- A separate study or work permit for dependent adult children
Of course, you must pay the government fees and upload the necessary forms and documents.
Let us help!
If you are in the process of applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada, you could consider hiring us. Please fill out the following form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you could book a consultation session with me.
If you are interested in visiting or immigrating to Canada, please complete our free assessment form.
There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
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