Bridging Open Work Permit Makes It Easier to Get Canada PR Now | Canada Immigration

We’ll talk about the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) for 2024 in this article. To get all the information you require, make sure to read through to the conclusion.

Overview: Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Recognized as a bridging visa, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a significant initiative launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The purpose of this permit is to enable people to continue working while their petitions for permanent residence in Canada are being processed. Let’s examine the specifics of the BOWP, including what it entails, who can apply, and how.

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Those who are currently in Canada with a valid work permit can continue to work while they wait for their application for permanent residency to be processed by applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This program assists in bridging the time between when a work permit expires and the application for permanent residence is ultimately decided.

The BOWP is an intentional initiative by the IRCC to preserve workforce stability and assist candidates as they move toward permanent residence.

Eligibility for a Bridging Open Work Permit

Applicants must fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for a BOWP:

• Application Under Particular Programs: Candidates must have submitted a primary application under one of the subsequent programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
4. Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
5. Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class
6. Agri-Food Pilot
7. Caring for Children Class

Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

• Check for Completeness: Applications for Express Entry and QSW must have cleared this check. An affirmative eligibility assessment is necessary for non-Express Entry streams.
• Present Status: Candidates must be in Canada at the moment and fulfill one of the requirements listed below:
• Possess a current work permit that allows you to work and a valid status as a temporary resident.
• Have kept their status and permission to work by applying to have their work permit renewed.
• Be qualified to regain their status as temporary residents after being granted permission to work under a work permit.

Application Requirements for BOWP

• Choose an Open Work Permit. On the application, select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit.
• Fee Payment: Pay the open work permit holder fee as well as the work permit processing cost.

The IRCC will reject the BOWP application and not reimburse the processing expenses if the permanent resident application is not complete. It should be noted that starting in 2021, there was no longer a requirement to apply for a BOWP until the present work permit was within four months of expiring.

Bridging Open Work Permits for Express Entry Applicants

The following information is relevant for applicants using Express Entry:

• Supporting Documents: Applicant must enclose a copy of their Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter together with all supporting documents specified in their document checklist. Upon receipt of the application, the IRCC automatically issues this letter.
• Job Location: Since the FSWC, CEC, and FSTC are federal programs administered by Express Entry, there are no limitations on the job location for candidates under these programs.

Bridging Open Work Permits for Non-Express Entry Applicants

The AOR letter will be sent to non-Express Entry applicants once the IRCC confirms that their application is complete.

Bridging Open Work Permit for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Applicants

For applicants making use of a PNP:

• Employment Restrictions: PNP candidates must make sure that the terms of their nomination do not impose any restrictions on their ability to work.
• Nomination Letter: Applications for the BOWP must be submitted with a copy of the nomination letter.
• Workplace: Only the province that nominated the employee will be able to use the work permit.

Bridging Open Work Permits for Quebec Applicants

A BOWP is currently available to those seeking to immigrate to Quebec as of August 31, 2021. Applicant residents of Quebec or those planning to move there were formerly not eligible.

• Application for Permanent Residency: The candidate must have filed an application to the IRCC for permanent residence as the primary applicant under Quebec’s Skilled Worker Program.
• Acknowledgment of Receipt: An AOR attesting to the federal government’s receipt and acceptance of their application is required.

Spouses or Common-Law Partners of BOWP Holders

A BOWP holder’s spouse or common-law partner might also be qualified to get a work permit in Canada. They can apply at the same time as the main candidate. Here are some things to think about: For spouses or common-law partners, the BOWP needs to be valid for a period longer than six months.

Employment Criteria:

• Spouses or common-law partners of FSWC applicants must have a skilled job that fits into either skill level 0, A, or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Regardless of the skill level required for the occupation, the permit is valid for PNP applicants’ spouses or common-law partners for the period of the principal PNP applicant’s work permit.
• The task must be completed at NOC skill level B for FSTC applicants’ wives or common-law partners.
• There are no particular skill criteria for CEC applicants’ spouses or common-law partners.

Applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit

To apply for a BOWP, do the following:

• Application Online: Submit an online application via the IRCC website.
• Selecting the Permit Type: On your application, select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit.
• Fee Payment: Pay the open work permit holder fee as well as the mandatory work permit processing fee.

Conclusion

For workers in Canada who are awaiting decisions about permanent residency, the Bridging Open Work Permit is an essential tool for preserving stability. It enables qualified people to keep contributing to the Canadian economy without having to worry about their work permit running out before their application for permanent residence is completed.

For many people looking to start their future in Canada, knowing the requirements for eligibility, the application procedure, and the particular rules for various applicants can make the transfer easier.