A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of work permit that is issued to temporary foreign workers who are waiting for the processing of their permanent residence application to be completed. A BOWP allows these workers to continue working in Canada while they wait for their permanent residence application to be approved.
To apply for a BOWP, you will need to have an existing work permit that is set to expire within four months, and you must have applied for permanent residence under a program that allows for a BOWP. You will also need to meet any other eligibility requirements that apply to the specific program you are applying under.
To apply for a BOWP, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with any required documents and fees. The application process can take several weeks to complete.
If you are granted a BOWP, you will need to keep it with you at all times while you are working in Canada. You will also need to follow any conditions that are attached to your BOWP, such as reporting to immigration authorities or leaving Canada by a certain date.
A bridging open work permit is a type of work permit that allows eligible foreign workers to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed. It is called “open” because it does not have a specific employer tied to it, allowing the holder to work for any employer in Canada
To be eligible for a bridging open work permit, foreign workers must have applied for permanent residence under certain programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Provincial Nominee Program and have a valid work permit that will expire within 4 months.
To apply for a bridging open work permit, the foreign worker must submit an application along with the required documents, including a valid work permit, proof of their permanent residence application, and the applicable fee.
A bridging open work permit is generally valid for 180 days or until a decision is made on the permanent residence application, whichever comes first.
Bridging open work permit holders are subject to the same restrictions as regular work permit holders, which include working for the employer specified on the permit and not being able to change employers without first obtaining a new permit. Additionally, bridging open work permit holders are not allowed to leave Canada while the permit is valid.
It depends on the individual case, but in general, it’s possible to apply for a bridging open work permit extension if the permanent residence application is still being processed and the initial permit is about to expire.
Bridging open work permit holders may be eligible for health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), which provides temporary health coverage for eligible foreign nationals until they become eligible for provincial or territorial health insurance.
Yes, family members, such as a spouse or common-law partner, and dependent children, can accompany the holder of a bridging open work permit to Canada. They will need to apply for a spouse/partner or dependent child open work permit and a visitor visa if required. They can also apply for a study permit if they want to study in Canada while waiting for the decision on the permanent residence application. It is important to note that the family member’s eligibility for a work or study permit is not linked to the principal applicant’s status and the decision will be made independently.