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Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): A Complete Guide

Aderayo Olabisi Adepoju

10 December 2024 | Last updated 10 December 2024

{"ops":[{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Canada’s Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a lifeline for individuals waiting for a decision on their permanent residency (PR) application. It ensures they can legally continue working in Canada during the interim period, maintaining both their legal status and employment continuity. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what the BOWP entails, who qualifies, and how to apply, with the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"What is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"The BOWP is an open work permit designed for individuals whose current work permits are expiring and who have already submitted an application for permanent residency. It allows them to stay employed in Canada without being tied to a specific employer. This is especially important for applicants in immigration programs such as:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (excluding employer-specific nominations)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Start-Up Visa."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Agri-Food Pilot."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Applicants from Quebec immigration programs, or those applying for PR through a family sponsorship or humanitarian program, are not eligible."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Who is Eligible for a BOWP?"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"According to IRCC, you may qualify if you meet the following criteria:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Permanent Residency Application"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": You have submitted a complete application for PR under an eligible program."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Work Permit Expiry"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": Your current work permit is expiring within four months, or you are on maintained (implied) status."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Physical Presence in Canada"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": You must be in Canada at the time of application."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Eligibility of Program"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": Applicants in Quebec or employer-restricted nominations in PNPs are not eligible."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","italic":true},"insert":"Note"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": Those under visitor visas are no longer permitted to apply for work permits from within Canada as of August 2024"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"What Documents Are Required?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"To apply for a BOWP, you need the following:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"A copy of your permanent residency application file number or confirmation of submission."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"A valid or recently expired work permit."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Completed work permit application forms (IMM 5710)."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Application fee: CAD $255, which includes the Open Work Permit Holder fee."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Benefits of a BOWP"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Unrestricted Employment"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": You are not tied to a specific employer, providing the flexibility to seek better opportunities."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Maintained Legal Status"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": It bridges the gap between work permit expiration and PR decision, ensuring no legal disruptions."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Support for Families"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":": Spouses or common-law partners can also apply for an open work permit."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"How to Apply for a BOWP?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Ensure your PR application is submitted and under review."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Check that your work permit is expiring within four months or you are under implied status."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Submit your BOWP application through the IRCC online portal."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Upload all required documents and pay the necessary fees."},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Key Updates to Note"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"As of 2024, visitors in Canada can no longer apply for work permits from within the country. This change highlights the importance of entering Canada with the right visa type and status"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Why Should You Consider a BOWP Now?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to act if you’re eligible for a BOWP. Processing times can vary, and securing your legal work status ensures you remain on track toward permanent residency."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","size":"large","bold":true},"insert":"Why Choose Shirah?"},{"attributes":{"header":4},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":"Navigating Canada’s immigration policies can be complex. With over "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"2,500 success stories"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" and a "},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"95% success rate"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":", Shirah is the trusted partner for securing your future in Canada. Whether you need help applying for a BOWP or planning your immigration journey, Shirah has the expertise to guide you every step of the way."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent","bold":true},"insert":"Contact us today"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" or visit "},{"attributes":{"bold":true,"background":"transparent","color":"#0000ff","link":"http://www.shirah.co"},"insert":"www.shirah.co"},{"attributes":{"background":"transparent"},"insert":" to start your journey!"},{"insert":"\n"}]}

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