How to Secure Your Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada?

Are you waiting for your permanent residency in Canada? The good news is that you don’t have to hit pause on your career! A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working legally while your permanent residency application is in progress. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your work life on track.

Who Can Apply for a BOWP?

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit, make sure you meet these key criteria:

  • You’re in Canada: You need to be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status.

  • You Have a Valid Work Permit: Your work permit should still be valid, or you must maintain status under section 186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). If not, the applicnat should be eligible to restore his/her status.

  • You’ve Applied for Permanent Residency: You must have already submitted your permanent residency application under one of these programs:

    • Federal Skilled Worker Program

    • Canadian Experience Class

    • Federal Skilled Trades Program

    • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

    • Quebec Skilled Workers Program

    • Agri-Food Pilot Program

  • Application Status: Your PR application must have passed the necessary checks or received a positive assessment from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Can Your Spouse or Partner Work Too?

Yes! Your spouse can easily apply for an open work permit if they meet the following conditions:

  • Work Authorization: The applicant needs to have a valid work permit or should be authorized to work in Canada.

  • Work Duration: Their work authorization should be valid for at least 6 months after they submit their application.

  • Job Type: They should be employed in a job that falls under NOC 0, A, B, or C, or they should hold a provincial or Quebec nomination.

Heads Up: Dependent children are not eligible for a BOWP and will need to apply for a work permit through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an exemption.

Where Can You Work?

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): If you’re part of the PNP, your job needs to be within the province that nominated you.

  • Quebec Applicants: If you’re applying through a Quebec program, your employment should be within Quebec.

Need Expert Help?

The process can be tricky, but you don’t have to go it alone. CWC Immigration Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need help with the immigration application or have questions, we're ready to assist.

Reach Out Today: Don’t wait, contact us now for professional support with your Bridging Open Work Permit application.