Ultimate Guide to the Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada: Stay, Work, and Thrive

For Immigration Applicants who are on a temporary resident permit, pending the grant of Permanent residency, expiring work permits are always a nightmare. To mitigate this problem, Bthe ridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) has been designed through which foreign nationals can continue working in Canada while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application.

How is the Bridging Open Work Permit different from the Open Work Permit?

An open work permit authorises a temporary Resident to work in Canada in any occupation. In this case, no Labour Market Impact Assessment is required. As against this, in closed work permits, a Temporary Resident permit holder gets tied to a specific employer.

The Bridging Open Work Permit works like an open work permit that can be issued to individuals who have already applied for permanent residency and are awaiting a decision. This permit enables such Permanent Residents to continue working in Canada even after the expiry of their current open work permit till the finalisation of their PR application, ensuring that they can remain legally authorised to work in Canada.

How Does a Bridging Open Work Permit Differ from Other Work Permits?

Unlike Closed Work Permit, which restricts a resident to a specific employer, job, or location and needs a LMIA , Nationals holding Bridging Open Work Permit have no such restriction.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is for international students having completed a program at a designated learning institution and is valid for up to three years and is not renewable.

In case of Spousal Open Work Permit, spouses or partners of certain temporary residents or PR applicants can work but the eligibility to work is not tied to a PR application stage. Which means if such approval lapses before the grant of Permanent Resident Status, such an individual will not be eligible to work any further.

Against the above Permit options, BOWP stands out as it keeps one eligible to continue working till the conclusion of PR Status to the applicants already integrated into Canada’s workforce.

Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Open Work Permit

1. This is an ideal option for a temporary resident who is awaiting their permanent resident status and their current work permit is expiring soon.
2. Thus, it is an ideal option for Express Entry Applicants applying whether through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
3. It is also useful for applicants nominated through Express Entry or non-Express Entry streams, provided there are no employment restrictions.
4. Quebec Skilled Worker applicants are eligible if they’ve applied as skilled workers and are already based in Quebec.
5. Home Child Care Provider are also eligible for this program where they have approval in principle and have qualifying work experience.
6. Spouses of principal applicants may also be eligible for open work permits depending on the immigration stream of the principal applicant.

Submitting an Express Entry profile or a PNP nomination application alone doesn’t qualify an applicant, as they must have a full PR application in process.

Process to Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit

Making an application for a BOWP is simple.

1. Before making the application, an applicant must ensure that they meet all criteria, including having a valid PR application and meeting other requirements as listed above.
2. Arrange documents as required for the application, such as: a. Copy of current/most recent work permit b. Proof of PR application submission as discussed above c. Completed application form IMM 5710, explaining the requirement to stay and continue employment. d. On form IMM 5710, select “Open Work Permit” and specify “Bridging Open Work Permit” as the option e. Proof of payment for requisite fees f. Biometrics submission (where required) g. Passport and other documents as per guidelines for form IMM 5710 h. Log in to your IRCC Account or create one if necessary to submit the application online via the IRCC portal
3. Upload all required documents, ensuring scans are clear and within file size limits.
4. Pay the requisite fees (subject to change; currently CAD 255 — CAD 155 processing fee + CAD 100 open work permit holder fee).
   1. Biometrics, if required, cost an additional CAD 85.
   2. You may need to book a biometrics appointment through a designated service center within 30 days of receiving the request.
   3. Please note that all fees paid are non-refundable.
5. Review the application for correctness, sign it online, and submit it.

After Submission of the application, keep tracking the same through the IRCC account for updates or requests for additional information.

Processing time for Bridging Open Work Permit Application:

Processing times for a BOWP application typically range from 3 to 4 months. Processing times may vary based on current applications under processing, Incomplete applications often take a longer time to get processed. Express Entry applications generally get processed faster due to automated checks.

The relief is that If your current work permit expires during the processing of the BOWP Application, you can continue working under maintained status as long as you applied before expiry and remain in Canada.

A Word of Caution: Leaving Canada during this period could interrupt your work authorisation.

Common Issues Faced While Filing Bowp Application and the Suggested Solutions

Applicants may face difficulty in processing of BOWP application, mainly due to reasons as:

1. Incomplete Application. To ensure that this issue does not arise, please ensure that the application passes the R10 completeness check before applying for a BOWP.
2. Double-check all supporting documents while submitting an application

1. If the current work permit has expired before the BOWP application is made, it can cause the application to be rejected. In such cases, if eligible to do so, apply to restore your status by paying an additional fee of CAD 229 along with the BOWP application. Please check the latest applicable fees at the time of making the application.
2. Before making an application for the BOWP Issue, ensure to have IRCC confirmation of the PR application.

It will be advisable to keep copies of all submissions and correspondence with IRCC to track your application.

Is It Simple to Do by Oneself?

Applying for a BOWP is manageable for those comfortable with online applications and document preparation. The IRCC portal provides clear instructions, and the process is streamlined for applicants with straightforward cases. However, challenges like incomplete PR applications, expired status, or program-specific nuances (e.g., PNP restrictions) can complicate matters.

When to Seek Help

• If your work permit has expired or your status is unclear.
• If you’re unsure about your PR application’s progress.
• If you’re applying under less common streams (e.g., Home Child Care Pilot).
• If you face language barriers or technical issues.

If required, consider hiring an Immigration Consultant, and it may typically cost you up to CAD 4000.

Does BOWP Status help in any way to get Permanent Resident Status in Canada?

The BOWP itself does not grant permanent resident status or directly influence your PR application’s outcome. It’s a temporary work permit designed to maintain your legal work authorisation while IRCC processes your PR application.

BOWP only helps to continue working in Canada, gain Canadian work experience, which can strengthen future applications for immigration, provide financial stability

If your PR application is approved, the BOWP becomes irrelevant as you have already gained the status of permanent resident. If refused, your BOWP becomes invalid, and you must secure another permit or leave Canada.

Can You Travel with a Bridging Open Work Permit?

Traveling doesn’t affect BOWP application, but ensure to return before any status expires to avoid complications. Always carry proof of your PR application and BOWP submission when travelling.

What Happens if BOWP Expires?

Before the expiry of BOWP, one can apply for an extension (up to 12 months at a time), provided the applicant still meets the eligibility criteria. IRCC reserves the right to approve or reject the extension until a PR decision is made, but the permit won’t exceed your passport’s validity

The hope above is helpful to understand Struggles with the Bridging Open Work Permit

Securing a Bridging Open Work Permit is not difficult once the applicant fulfils the eligibility criteria

BOWP is a lifeline for PR applicants, offering peace of mind and the ability to thrive in Canada’s workforce.