Discover the key to unlocking your Canadian dream with a Bridging open work permit! As an aspiring immigrant, you want to start your new life in Canada as soon as possible, and the Bridging Open Work Permit can help you make that happen.

The BOWP is designed to allow individuals already applying for permanent residency to stay in their jobs while their application is being reviewed. With a Bridging open work permit, you’ll be free to work in any occupation, at any location in Canada, without worrying about your immigration status holding you back.

So, are you ready to start your new life in Canada? With this comprehensive guide to applying for BOWP, you’ll have all the information you need to take the first step. From understanding the eligibility requirements to navigating the application process, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Let’s dive in!

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Who Is Eligible To Apply?

The Bridging open work permit, BOWP, is a valuable tool for anyone looking to work and live in Canada during the processing of their permanent residency application. 

To be eligible for this permit, there are a few critical criteria that you must meet. Let’s take a closer look at what they are.

Temporary Status in Canada

You must be physically present in Canada and have valid temporary situations, such as a visitor visa, student visa, or work permit.

Permanent Residence Application

You must be one of the permanent residence applicants and be eligible for processing under one of the programs listed below.

Valid Job Offer or Self-Employment

You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or be self-employed in Canada.

Ability To Support Yourself

You must demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself and any dependents while you are in Canada.

Admissibility to Canada

You must not be inadmissible to Canada on the grounds of security, human or international rights violations, or organized crime.

These criteria are just the basic conditions, and additional eligibility factors may apply to your specific situation. It’s always best to consult the official Government of Canada website or a qualified immigration professional for more information.

What Are The Requirements When Applying For BOWP?

When applying for a Bridging open work permit, you will be required to provide the following documentation and information: 

Proof of Temporary Status in Canada

You will need to provide documentation that demonstrates your current temporary position in Canada, such as a valid visitor visa, student visa, or work permit. 

Proof of Permanent Residency Application

You will need to provide evidence that you have applied for permanent residence in Canada and that your application is eligible for processing.

Job Offer or Self-Employment Documentation

If you have a job offer, you will need to provide a copy of the offer letter from your Canadian employer. If you are self-employed, you must provide evidence of your self-employment activities in Canada.

Financial Support Documentation

You will need to demonstrate that you have the means to support yourself and any dependents while you are in Canada. This may include bank statements, pay stubs, or other financial documents.

Passport or Travel Document

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or travel document, including the biographical page and any pages that show your current immigration status.

Application Fee

You must pay the relevant fee to submit your BOWP application.

Additional Supporting Documentation

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide other documentation or information, such as police certificates, medical examinations, or language test results.

You should check the official Government of Canada website or speak with a licensed immigration professional to get the most up-to-date information on the requirements and documentation needed to apply for a BOWP, as these details are subject to change. 

What Is The Application Process?

The application process for a Bridging open work permit is the same as for any other open work permit. The main difference is that you must already have a valid employment offer and proof that you can support yourself while your application is being processed.

The application process in Canada is relatively straightforward and requires the following steps:

Check Eligibility

Before applying, you have to check your eligibility. A BOWP is only available to those who meet the following requirements:

  • You must have a valid work permit that is about to expire or has already passed.
  • You must have applied for a new work permit before your current work permit expires or within 90 days of its expiration.
  • Your new work permit application must be eligible for processing, meaning it meets all the requirements for that specific work permit category.

Application

In Canada, those interested in applying for a BOWP can do so in one of two ways: either online or by submitting a paper application. 

  • Online: To apply, you must create an account on the Government of Canada’s immigration website. Once logged in, you must complete the application form, pay the processing fee, and upload the required documents.
  • Paper: To apply through a paper application, you must complete the application form, gather all the required documents, and send them to the nearest visa office.

Processing time

The processing time for a BOWP varies depending on the location and workload of the immigration office processing the application. 

It generally takes several months, but it can sometimes take longer. You can check the processing time for your specific location on the Government of Canada’s immigration website.

Gather Documents

You will be required to provide the following documents to be considered for a BOWP grant:

  • Acknowledgement of Receipt, AOR letter
  • A copy of your current work permit.
  • A copy of your new work permit application.
  • Proof of payment for the processing fee.
  • Proof of identity, such as a passport or national identity document.

Additional Supporting Documentation

Depending on your specific situation, you may need to provide additional documentation or information, such as police certificates, medical examinations, or language test results. Consult the official Government of Canada website or a qualified immigration professional for more details.

Submit your Application

Once you have gathered the necessary documentation and information, you can submit your BOWP application. You can submit your application online or by mail to the appropriate processing center. 

When submitting your application, including all required documentation and information, including any additional supporting documents that may be needed.

Processing Fee

The cost of obtaining an open work permit is CAD 255, consisting of a processing fee of CAD 155 and a holder fee of $ CAD 100. 

If you submit a paper application, you can send the fee to the Government of Canada via regular mail; otherwise, you can pay it online through the immigration website.

Wait for Processing

 After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision from the government. Processing times can vary depending on many factors, such as the volume of applications, the processing center, and the complexity of your situation. 

To check the status of your application, you can log in to your online account or contact the government directly.

Approval

If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit that allows you to work in Canada while your PR(permanent residency) application is being reviewed. 

If your application is not approved, you will receive a decision letter that explains why and what your next steps may be. It’s essential to review the decision carefully and understand your rights and options if your application needs approval.

Overall, the Bridging open work permit application process in Canada provides temporary foreign workers with an opportunity to continue working in Canada. In contrast, their new work permit application is being processed.

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your BOWP application is complete and meets all the requirements.

Check Out How Does A Bridging Open Work Permit Work?

When Should You Apply for BOWP?

If you have applied for permanent residency through Canada’s Express Entry system, you can obtain a BOWP while you wait for your application to be processed.

This permit allows you to continue working in Canada, ensuring no disruption to your employment while your permanent residency application is being evaluated.

To apply for the BOWP, you must first receive your Acknowledgment of Receipt. This letter is automatically generated and sent to your Express Entry account after you have submitted your permanent residency application. 

The AoR is a crucial document as it serves as proof of your submission and will be required as a supporting document when applying for the BOWP.

With the AoR in hand, you can submit your BOWP application. This will ensure that you can continue working in Canada while your permanent residency application is processed, which can take several months.

 By having the BOWP, you can maintain your employment status and continue contributing to the Canadian economy, making your transition to permanent residency smoother and more seamless.

What Is The Processing Time of Bridging Open Work Permits?

The processing time for a Bridging open work permit varies and can take several months (3-4 months) to be processed. Several factors can impact the processing time of a BOWP, including:

  • The volume of applications: The processing time for a BOWP can be impacted by the volume of applications received by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. If there are a large number of applications, it can take longer to process each application.
  • The complexity of the application: The processing time for a BOWP can be impacted by the complexity of the application. It can take longer to process if the application requires additional documentation or clarification.
  • Processing location: The processing time for a BOWP can be impacted by the area where the application is being processed. Some processing centers have a higher volume of applications and may take longer to process each.
  • Quality of the application: The processing time for a BOWP can be impacted by the quality of the application. If the application needs to be completed, it can take longer to process as the processing center will need to request additional information or clarification.

The processing time for a BOWP is subject to change and can vary based on the factors mentioned above. 

While IRCC does update its website with processing times, it’s best to apply for a BOWP as soon as possible to avoid losing your job while your work permit or permanent residency application is processed.

Will Your BOWP Cancelled If You Got Rejected For Canada’s Permanent Residency?

If the permanent residency application is refused, the individual may continue to work in Canada as long as their BOWP is still valid. 

The BOWP allows individuals to continue working while waiting for a decision on their permanent residency application. It provides a sense of stability for individuals waiting for their permanent residency application to be processed.

Moreover, BOWP is a temporary permit and does not guarantee permanent residency. The BOWP is only valid until a decision has been made on the permanent residency application.

Therefore, if the permanent residency application is rejected, the individual must either reapply for permanent residency or leave Canada.

FAQs

Can I Apply for BOWP without AOR?

It is only possible to apply for a BOWP after receiving an AOR. The AOR serves as proof that the candidate’s permanent residency application has been received by IRCC and is in process. With this proof, candidates are eligible to apply for a BOWP.

To be eligible for a BOWP, candidates must have applied for permanent residency through a program that is eligible for the BOWP and must have received an AOR, Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC.

Therefore, when you have yet to receive an AOR for your permanent residency application, you are not eligible to apply for a BOWP. You may only use a BOWP once you have received an AOR and meet the other eligibility criteria for the program you applied for.

Can I Apply for BOWP after PGWP?

Yes, you can apply for BOWP after PGWP if you qualify. However, it is essential to note that there are eligibility requirements for both BOWP and PGWP, and it is possible for someone who does not meet these requirements to be denied access to both programs simultaneously.

A PGWP is a work permit issued to international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada.

The PGWP allows individuals to work in Canada for a specified period after completing their studies, depending on the length of their program.

Whether or not you are eligible to apply for a BOWP after your PGWP depends on several factors, including the specific program you have used and the length of your PGWP. It is essential to carefully consider the eligibility criteria for the BOWP program you are interested in before applying.

Can I Work While Waiting For BOWP?

The answer to this question depends on your specific circumstances and whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for a BOWP.

However, if you are working while you are waiting for your BOWP, the earnings will be considered when calculating the amount of BOWP you will receive.

If you have been granted a Work Permit by an employer and are waiting for your BOWP to be approved, your employer may request a temporary work permit. This will allow you to continue working for them until a decision has been made about your application by the Immigration Department.

Once your application has been approved, your temporary work permit will be converted into a full-time work permit, allowing you to continue working for that employer without interruption.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Bridging open work permit requires careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the process and requirements. It is vital to handle the BOWP application process carefully and precisely.

Having all required documents, including the AOR letter, is essential for following IRCC’s guidelines and ensuring a smooth application process. It is recommended to apply for the BOWP as soon as you receive your AOR to avoid any delays or complications.

We hope this guide has helped you understand how to apply BOWP in Canada. So, take control of your future and start your BOWP application today!

With the proper preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully navigate the complexities of the BOWP process and achieve your goals in Canada. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.