Who is Eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada?

Surya Rathee
[Published 27 Jun, 2024 | 04:39 PM]
About Author - 5 min read
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A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals working in Canada to extend their status while awaiting a decision on their Canada PR application. The BOWP is only available for those candidates who apply for Canada PR - and hold a valid Work Permit.

A successful BOWP application leads to an Open Work Permit (OWP), which allows applicants to work for multiple employers - anywhere in Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must:

• Currently be in Canada with a valid temporary resident status.
• Meet one of the following criteria:
• Have a valid work permit.
• Have submitted to renew work permit and are on maintained status in Canada.
• Are eligible to restore your temporary status and get a work permit?
• Have submitted to renew work permit and are on maintained status in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
• Agri-Food Pilot Program
• Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class
• Successfully passed the R10 completeness check for a QSWC application or Express Entry application, or received a positive eligibility assessment under an eligible non-Express Entry permanent residence stream.

Bridging Open Work Permit Documents Required

The documents you need depend on the type of Canadian Work Permit you are applying for. Generally, you would need to submit the following documents:

• Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter
• Provincial nomination certificate (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (Quebec Acceptance Certificate) (if applicable)
• Signed employment contract (if live-in caregiver)
• Completed application forms
• Proof of status in Canada
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• A valid copy of your passport
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees

IRCC’s Conditions on Location of Employment

Open Work Permits (OWPs) offer holders flexibility in terms of their employers and the ability to change jobs. However, as a Bridging Open Work Permit holder, your conditions on employment location can be applied in two specific cases:

PNP Applicants

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants with a BOWP are restricted to employment locations within the nominating province or territory.

Quebec Applicants

Applicants under the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program must designate Quebec as their place of employment when applying for a BOWP.

How & When to Apply For a Bridging Open Work Permit?

In most cases, you must apply for a BOWP online through your IRCC secure account. If you encounter issues applying online, you can submit a paper application.

Express Entry applicants can apply for a BOWP once they receive their Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter through their IRCC MyPortal account. Whereas, Quebec Skilled Worker Class applicants must wait until they have passed the completeness check stage of their application.

Bridging Open Work Permit Fee

To apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you need to pay the following fee:

• Open Work Permit Processing Fee: CAD$ 155
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD$ 100

Bridging Open Work Permit Processing Time

Bridging Open Work Permits are typically processed within 3-4 months. However, this timeframe is subject to change based on factors such as the volume of applications, immigration policies, or any other individual circumstances.

Bridging Open Work Permit Validity

Bridging Open Work Permits are generally issued for 24 months. If your Canada PR application processing goes beyond the validity of BOWP, an extension may be issued to you for 12 months. Take note that a Bridging Open Work Permit will also not be issued beyond the validity of your passport.

Going through the complexities of the Bridging Open Work Permits can sometimes be a daunting task - especially for first-timers. In case you’re having trouble, you can reach out to Canada Immigration Consultants at Nationwide Visas.

Good Luck!

Read More: Travelling Outside Canada After Applying For A Work Permit Extension