Bridging Work Permit for Canada

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit that allows individuals in Canada to continue working while they wait for a decision on their permanent residence application. It is especially useful for foreign workers who are in Canada on a work permit that is about to expire and are waiting for the outcome of their application for permanent residence under certain immigration programs, such as Express Entry.

What is a Bridging Work Permit?

A Bridging Work Permit (BOWP) is designed to help foreign workers stay in Canada legally while they wait for the processing of their permanent residency application. This work permit allows you to work in Canada even if your current work permit is expiring, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the BOWP.

This type of work permit is considered "open" because it is not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada while you wait for your permanent residency application to be processed. It is typically issued for a period of up to one year, depending on the length of time left in the permanent residency application process.

Eligibility for a Bridging Work Permit

To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet the following criteria:

• Permanent Residence Application in Progress: You must have already applied for permanent residence under one of Canada’s immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Program, and received a positive decision on your application for permanent residency.
• Valid Status in Canada: You must have legal status in Canada, either as a temporary resident (e.g., on a work permit or study permit) when applying for the Bridging Work Permit.
• Work Permit Expiration: Your current work permit must be expiring within 4 months, or you must be on implied status (working while waiting for the renewal of your current work permit).
• No Final Decision on PR Application: Your application for permanent residence must not have a final decision yet. The BOWP is designed for individuals who are waiting for the decision after submitting their application for permanent residence.

How to Apply for a Bridging Work Permit

To apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying for the BOWP, ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements mentioned above. You need to have a valid work permit that is set to expire soon and must be in the process of applying for permanent residency under an eligible immigration program.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather the necessary documents to apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit, which may include:

• Your current work permit.
• Your permanent residence application receipt or confirmation that your application is in process.
• Proof of legal status in Canada (e.g., study permit or work permit).
• Any additional documents requested by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Ensure that all documents are clear, up-to-date, and in the correct format.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can submit your Bridging Open Work Permit application online or by paper. It’s important to complete the application correctly and submit it with the required fee. The application process includes filling out the appropriate forms, such as the Application for a Work Permit Made from Inside Canada (IMM 5710).

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Once submitted, your application will be processed by IRCC. The processing time may vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to a few months. During this time, you should continue to maintain your legal status in Canada and comply with all immigration laws.

Step 5: Receive the Bridging Work Permit

If your application is approved, you will receive a Bridging Open Work Permit, which will allow you to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on your permanent residency application. Be sure to review the terms of your work permit to ensure you comply with all conditions.

Duration of the Bridging Work Permit

The Bridging Open Work Permit is typically valid for a period of up to one year or until the decision on your permanent residence application is made, whichever is earlier. If your permanent residency application is still in process after the work permit expires, you may be able to renew the Bridging Work Permit, but you will need to reapply for a new one.

Advantages of the Bridging Work Permit

The Bridging Open Work Permit offers several advantages to individuals in Canada who are waiting for their permanent residency application to be processed:

• Continued Employment: You can continue working in Canada even if your previous work permit has expired, which ensures that you can maintain financial stability while your permanent residency application is processed.
• Flexibility: Since the BOWP is an open work permit, you are not tied to a specific employer, giving you the freedom to work for any employer in Canada.
• Maintain Legal Status: The Bridging Work Permit allows you to stay legally in Canada while you wait for your permanent residency status to be finalized.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: The BOWP helps individuals in Canada stay employed while continuing their pathway to permanent residence, reducing stress during the waiting period.

Important Considerations

• Work Permit Expiration: You must apply for the BOWP before your current work permit expires to avoid losing legal status in Canada.
• Maintain Valid Status: It's important to maintain valid status in Canada at all times. If you are in Canada without a valid permit, you may not be eligible for a Bridging Work Permit.
• Job Offers: You do not need a job offer to apply for a Bridging Work Permit since it is an open work permit.