Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The goal of the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is to literally ‘bridge’ the gap between an expiring work permit and the final decision on a permanent residence application. In other words, this option is available to foreign nationals currently in Canada, whose work permit is expiring within four months, and who have applied for permanent residence under one of the programs listed below.
Bridging Open Work Permit Fact #1
"*Note that provincial nominee applicants who have employment restrictions stated on their nomination certificate cannot obtain a Bridging Open Work Permit."
BOWP Requirements
- be currently in Canada
- have a valid work permit
- your current work permit is expiring in less than four (4) months
- be a principal applicant on an Application for Permanent Residence (APR) under one of the programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, Caring for Children Class, Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class or Provincial Nominee Class
- have completed one of the two below stages in the permanent residence application process:
1. your electronic application for permanent residence (e-APR) was submitted under Express Entry has passed the completeness check
2. you have received a positive eligibility assessment on your paper Application for Permanent Residence submitted by mail under 1 of the programs listed above.
- have submitted an application for an open work permit
- have paid the work permit processing fee and the open work permit holder fee
- have provided, if applicable, evidence (e.g., nomination certificate) that your provincial nomination does not have employment restrictions
You Cannot Apply For Bridging Open Work Permit if:
- you have let your status expire and must apply for restoration in order to return to temporary resident status
- your current work permit is valid for longer than 4 months
- you have a new LMIA that can be used as the basis for a new work permit application
- you apply at a port of entry or visa office abroad
Submit Your Resume (CV)
Spouses and Common-Law Partners of BOWP Holders
In order to obtain an open work permit for your spouse or common-law partner, certain requirements must be met.
- your bridging open work permit must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of the application for an open work permit for your spouse or common-law partner; or you apply for both work permits at the same time.
- For spouses and common-law partners of Federal Skilled Worker Program applicants, the principal applicant must hold a skilled employment in Canada in NOC 0, A or B level.
- For spouses and common-law partners of Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants, principal applicant must hold a skilled employment in Canada in NOC B level.
- For spouses and common-law partners of Canadian Experience Class applicants, there are no pre-set requirements.
- Spouses and common-law partners of Provincial Nominee Class applicants are eligible for an open work permit regardless of the skill level of the principal applicant's employment. All NOCs are eligible: 0, A, B, C and D.
- For spouses or common-law partners of caregiver applicants (caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class), the BOWP holder must be employed in a qualifying occupation in NOC skill level 0, A or B.