What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Those in Canada who have already sought permanent residence and are currently holding a temporary status can obtain a unique work permit known as a bridging open work permit, or BOWP. It acts as a "bridge" allowing applicants to keep working while they wait for a PR file decision. BOWP's freedom from being tied to one company or location explains the name "open" permission.
Who is Eligible for BOWP in Canada?
An applicant must be presently living in Canada under valid status and have filed a PR application under one of the approved economic immigration streams, Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Agri-Food Pilot, or the Quebec Skilled Worker Class. One must also have already applied for or be qualified to apply for an open work visa before their current status expires.
Benefits of Holding a BOWP
Having a BOWP mostly helps one to be continuously employed while waiting for a PR decision. It allows staff members to remain in Canada stress-free, helps their dependents, and keeps them earning a living legally. It also gives businesses hope to retain workforce, particularly in highly sought-after sectors.
Understanding BOWP Extension Rules
Can You Extend a Bridging Open Work Permit?
Usually, BOWPs cannot be expanded. Their goal is to close the difference on a PR application between the end of a temporary work permit and the final decision. Usually given, they run up to twelve months. In specific circumstances, however, some candidates could be qualified to reapply or migrate to another permission category.
Conditions When an Extension May Be Possible
Should program backlogs or extended background checks cause delays for a PR application, applicants may look at alternatives, including applying under another public policy or employer-specific work permit, if a job offer exists.
What If My PR Application is Still Under Review?
If your BOWP is about expiring and your PR is still under development, you have to move quickly. If qualified, you could apply to recover or preserve your status; otherwise, see immigration lawyers to stop your status from being lost. Track closely processing times and plan aggressively.
How to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada?
Documents Required for BOWP Extension
While extensions are rare, applying under special policy or switching permit categories may require proof of your PR application, current temporary status, employment records, and identification documentation.
Online Application Process
Applications are entered via the IRCC portal, where you upload documentation, complete online forms, and build a profile. Choose the correct type of work permit and indicate your intention for reapplying.
Fees and Processing Time
Under this stream, the fees for a work permit application usually range from CAD 255 to CAD 255, depending on processing times, which vary from 1-3 months. Use approved consultants or IRCC to track the most recent changes to avoid delays.
Common Reasons BOWP Extensions Get Denied
Missing Documents
One of the most often cited causes a BOWP extension or reapplication is denied is insufficient or absent documentation. The IRCC requires complete and comprehensive documentation, including a copy of the PR application confirmation (AOR), current permit data, evidence of employment if applicable, and current identification documentation. If a necessitated document is missing or outdated, the application might be denied without further notice. Make sure all forms and files are twice-checked to meet current IRCC criteria before submission.
PR Application Status Issues
Only candidates under active processing and whose PR applications pass the completeness check qualify for a bridging open work permit. Should your PR application be returned for missing components or lack of progress through IRCC's system, your BOWP may be denied. Likewise, should your PR application be denied, withdrawn, or judged incomplete, you are not qualified for a BOWP. Keeping a close eye on your PR file using GCMS notes or your IRCC account will enable you to predict such problems before they affect your employment status.
Ineligibility Based on Current Status
Another critical contributing reason to denial is falling from a valid status in Canada before the application. If your present work permit expires and you have not applied to extend or switch status before that date, you are not allowed to apply for a BOWP from inside Canada. Once you lose the legal status, readmission policies may apply, and options become few. Timing is essential; applying before your current circumstances lapse is non-negotiable.
What to Do If Your BOWP Can’t Be Extended
Options While Waiting for PR Decision
Should a BOWP extension prove unworkable, you still have legal options to remain in Canada during the review of your PR. You could file for a visitor record to stay in status, even though this will not allow you to work. Avoiding long-term immigration consequences calls for continuous lawful presence.
Switching to Another Work Permit
Whether you qualify under an LMIA-exempt category or if you have a genuine employment offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), switching to an employer-specific work permit could be a good path. If qualified, some individuals may also consider public policy or spousal open work permits.
Restoration of Status if Permit Expires
Should your BOWP already have expired, you typically have ninety days to seek status reinstatement. You cannot work until IRCC approves the request; hence, this must be done quickly with thorough documentation. Acting quickly will help you recover legal ground and stay on your path towards permanent status.
Why Choose Croyez Immigration for BOWP Guidance?
Trusted Work Permit Consultants for Canada
Particularly when considering work permits that cut off the route to permanent residence, negotiating Canadian immigration policies could feel like learning a foreign tongue. Here, Croyez Immigration turns into a trustworthy adviser. Having managed Bridging Open Work Permits, the team has assisted hundreds of professionals in maintaining their legal status and pursuing their Canadian dream. Expert knowledge reflecting real-time IRCC changes helps clients ensure applications are compliant and complete.
Personalised Advice Based on IRCC Guidelines
Two candidates have different needs and profiles as well. Every case at Croyez is closely examined to develop a tailored strategy. Whether your PR application is through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, the experts evaluate your current circumstances, deadlines, and job aspirations to provide customised, regulatory-aligned recommendations. This reduces the likelihood of technical mistakes or overlooked requirements generating delays or rejections.
End-to-End Support from PR to Permit Extensions
The Croyez crew does not stop at permit applications. From your initial PR submission through handling status extensions, they support you at all levels. Services include verifying documentation, creating error-free application packages, and, as necessary, following up with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRCC). Their full-spectrum helps you focus on your work while they handle paperwork, deadlines, and compliance issues.
FAQs
What is the processing time for Bridging Open Work Permit Extension?
Although processing dates will depend on your application technique and the IRCC backlog, they generally run from 60 to 120 days. Maintaining inferred status and continuing to work legally depends absolutely on applying before your current permission runs out.
Can I work while waiting for PR in Canada?
If your BOWP application was sent before your current permit expired, you are indeed free to work under implied status until a decision regarding your extension is made.
Does a BOWP guarantee PR approval?
A BOWP does not guarantee that your PR application will be approved, even though it allows you to work while it is under processing. Still very important is fulfilling the eligibility and paperwork requirements for your PR stream.
What if my BOWP expires before my PR is approved?
Should your BOWP expire and you have not sought a new status, you may be eligible for restoration in ninety days. Otherwise, you have to stop working until a new permission is granted.
Stay Legally Employed in Canada While Awaiting PR
More than just paperwork, a bridging open work permit is your legal key to working in Canada while your future is still under negotiation. Retaining that status is rather vital.
Consult Croyez Immigration to Stay Compliant and Prepared
From professional execution to thorough preparation, Croyez Immigration guarantees that your stay in Canada remains legal, smooth, and futuristic. Let the experts manage the details; you can focus on designing your Canadian life.
