Complete Guide About Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

Abhishek Rai
[Published 06 Dec, 2021 | 05:55 PM]
About Author - 8 min read
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Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is another term for a bridging visa. BOWP is a wonderful addition to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's foreign national programs. It was created to retain employees in Canada and allow them to continue working while their application for permanent residency is being processed. The Bridging Open Work Permit will enable immigrants to continue working while they wait for permanent residence.

Bridging Open Work Permit allows overseas skilled professionals to petition for permanent residency with shorter processing timelines. BOWP is not like other work permits in Canada. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) will protect immigrants who are already on good terms with the nation and effectively contribute to the Canadian economy from needless interruptions.

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while you await the outcome of your permanent residency application. The Bridging visa is valid for six months or a year. Dependent children of a permanent residence candidate in any economic category must have an Associate in LMIA or have an LMIA exemption demonstrating their special situation to apply for a Bridging open official document.

Basic requirements for BOWP

When applying for BOWP, the immigrant must be a resident of Canada. In this case, work permits are only valid for four months or less. It is important to note here that the immigrant's passport should be valid for at least six months. The immigrant must have completed and filed an e-APR (electronic application for permanent residency) through Express Entry. Also, the candidate should be the primary applicant on a permanent residency application in one of the following economic categories:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Or they may also belong to the following categories:

• Caring for children class

• Caring for people with high medical needs class

They have to meet some requirements for permanent residence. These requirements depend on the type of application immigrants submit. You should have payment proof for open work permit holder along with a stamp created by the Canadian authority of your most up-to-date entry into Canada.

Benefits of BOWP

• A bridging visa is far more adaptable than a specialized work permit.

• Can stay in Canada even if their Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) expires.

• A Bridging Visa allows an immigrant to get access to the Canadian labor market.

• Furthermore, it is good for a period of six months or longer.

• Even if you lose your current employment, you should stay in Canada and look for other opportunities.

 Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Open Work Permit

• You must have a student visa or a work permit.

• Comply with the requirements for Permanent Residence.

• Complete medical and police clearances.

• Submit a complete Permanent Residence application.

• Evidence of educational attainment (For students).

• The employment agreement between a worker and an employer (For Caregiver).

Bridging Open Work Permit and Family Members

If an immigrant obtains BOWP, he is eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit for his family members. The immigrant must be a skilled worker to qualify for the BOWP of the immigrant's spouse or common-law partner (they must be working in NOC 0, A, or B position in Canada). There are various restrictions and conditions that BOWP candidates must meet to get an open work visa for their spouse or common-law partner under the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP):

• The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) must be valid for at least 6 months.

• The BOWP holder must be working in any of the NOC (National Occupational Classification) skill levels 0, A, or B employment in Canada for the wives or common-law partners of FSW candidates.

• To the wives or common-law partners of PNP applicants, the spouse of the immigrant is eligible for the period of the PNP applicant's work visa, regardless of the PNP applicant's skill level.

• The BOWP candidate must be a spouse or common-law partner of an FST applicant and work in one of the qualified jobs in NOC skill level B.

• There are no conditions for wives of CEC candidates, as there are for other groups.

Bridging Open Work Permit for PNP Applicants

Immigrants who have applied via the PNP route are not subject to job limitations as PNP immigrants are not subject to any restrictions while applying for BOWP. When applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit, PNP immigrants must present a copy of their nomination letter. Also, the immigrant's job location must be limited to the nominating province.

Bridging Open Work Permit for Express Entry Applicants

• Immigrants using the Express Entry pathway must submit all of the documents indicated on the paperwork checklist.

• A copy of the immigrant's acknowledgment of receipt letter (the letter received from the IRCC) should be sent.

• Applicants under FSWP, CEC, or FSTC are not restricted in terms of work location.

Required Documents for BOWP

For LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

• Photocopies of your travel documents are required.

• Photocopies of your current immigration documents are required.

• Provide a copy of the LMIA as well as the employer's offer letter.

• Obtain an offer letter with an employer number to provide with your work visa application.

For Students

• Registrar's letter from Institution

• Transcript of the past two study periods

This is post is just to give you a brief idea about the BOWP, but it is always recommended to do your own research or seek expert help. It will help you immensely to decide your correct pathway.