top of page

BRIDGING

OPEN

WORK PERMIT

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada to extend their work permit while they await a decision on their permanent residency application. The BOWP is only available to those who have already submitted a permanent residency application and are already in possession of a valid work permit. A successful BOWP application results in an open work permit, enabling the holder to work for multiple employers in multiple locations, of their own choosing.

eligibility

requirements

To be eligible for a bridging open work permit, the following parameters must be met:
 

  • Have submitted an application for permanent residence

  • Current work permit expires in four months or less

  • Have valid status on a current work permit

  • Currently residing in Canada

​

The BOWP is only available to applicants to the following permanent residence programs:

​

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

  • Caring for Children Class

  • Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class

CAN A SPOUSE OR COMMON-LAW PARTNER AND DEPENDANT BE GRANTED WORK PERMIT BASED ON THE PRINCIPAL APPLICANT'S BOWP?

​

Certain conditions are required to be met by the holder of a bridging work permit in order for his or her spouse to also be eligible for an open work permit:

​

  • In all cases, the bridging work permit must be valid for longer than six months.

  • For spouses of FSW applicants, the bridging work permit holder must be performing work that is at a level that falls within National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Levels 0, A or B.

  • For spouses of PNP applicants, the spouse is eligible for an open work permit for the duration of the work permit held by the principal PNP applicant, irrespective of the skill level of the principal PNP applicant’s occupation.

  • For spouses of FST applicants, the bridging work permit holder must be performing work that is within one of the qualifying occupations in NOC Skill Level B.

  • For spouses of CEC applicants, there are no set preconditions to be met by the principal CEC applicant.

​

Dependent children of an applicant in any of these economic classes must obtain an LMIA or have LMIA exemption based on their specific situation in order to apply for a work permit.

​

Contact us today if you have any questions related to a Bridging Work Permit and a member of our team would be happy to assist you/

AnchorContactUS
bottom of page