How does the Bridging Open Work Permit work?
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a visa which allows a temporary resident whose current work permit is expiring and who has previously applied for permanent residency, to continue working in Canada while awaiting the decision of their permanent residence application.
Who is eligible?
Not every permanent residence program qualifies for a BOWP, the permanent residence programs which are eligible for a BOWP are as follows:
How does maintained status work?
In the occurrence of a temporary resident who has applied for an extension of their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) but has not yet received a decision from IRCC prior to the end date shown on their current TRV, the period of their stay is extended by law until a decision is made.
Whilst a temporary resident is on implied status (waiting for a decision after their TRV has expired) they still have the right to remain in Canada and continue to work. This only applies to a temporary resident who remains inside Canada, therefore, as soon as they leave Canada during this period, their implied status is no longer in effect upon their return, and consequently, they will lose their privileges.
Express Entry requirements
- Live in Canada (except in Quebec)
- Have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less
- Be the principle applicant on their permanent residence application
- Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check
- Have been sent an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letter in their account from IRCC to acknowledge that a permanent residence application has been received
Provincial Nominee requirements
- Live in Canada (except in Quebec)
- Have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less
- Be the principle applicant on their permanent residence application
- Have no employment restrictions as a condition of your nomination
- Be approved in principle for permanent residence
- Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check (online only)
- Have been sent an acknowledgment of receipt (AOR) letter in their account from IRCC to acknowledge that a permanent residence application has been received (online only)
Home Child-Care requirements
- Live in Canada (except in Quebec)
- Be approved in principle for permanent residence
- Proof of 24 months of qualifying work experience
Meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a valid work permit
- Be on implied status
- Be eligible for restoration
Home Support Worker requirements
- Live in Canada (except in Quebec)
- Be approved in principle for permanent residence
- Proof of 24 months of qualifying work experience
Meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a valid work permit
- Be on implied status
- Be eligible for restoration
Agri-Food Pilot requirements
- Live in Canada (except in Quebec)
- Have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less
- Be the principle applicant on their permanent residence application
- Be approved in principle for permanent residence
If a temporary resident has applied for a BOWP before their current work permit expires but has not yet received their BOWP then they will be considered to have implied status.
Nicola Wightman
Nicola Wightman is a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) under the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Her professional immigration consultant number is R706497.
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