Many foreign workers in Canada get lost in the process of staying longer in the country as their work permit is about to expire and worry about the fear of being left without legal status. If you are a foreign worker in Canada and you are waiting for your permanent residency with a valid work permit, but it may expire in a few months, then you should know that you can apply for a transitional or bridging open work permit, which will allow you to continue working until you receive a decision on your permanent residency application. Good news in this 2024!

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Canada has long been a land of opportunity for foreigners seeking new horizons of life and economy in the country, but to work there you need to have a work authorization or work permit, this is the legal way to be employed in the region while contributing to the province and economic sector you were lucky enough to find. Now, qualifying for a bridging work permit (BOWP) is not feasible for all applicants, so it is important that you read this Immiland article and familiarize yourself with the Canadian work permit landscape so that you are not left in immigration limbo. 

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What is an open work permit?

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An open work permit is a government authorization that allows foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada. This flexibility is quite encouraging for most, however, it is essential to note that some permits may have restrictions, such as geographic limitations, specific job categories or exclusion from sectors such as health care or child-related roles. You should be aware of your immigration status in Canada so that you do not miss out on opportunities to achieve permanent residency. In addition, there is an open work permit that comes with a transition or bridging mode that will help you remain legally employed in Canada. Let's learn about it.

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What is the transitional or bridge open work permit?

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It is a gateway to continued employment in the country. The Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP) acts as a link or transition to your permanent residency by authorizing your stay in Canada working for any employer while you wait for your permanent residency application to be processed; however, to qualify for the BOWP, the applicant must meet specific criteria, such as having a valid work permit with less than four months to expiry and residing in Canada.

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What programs qualify for the BOWP?

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Qualifying programs include various permanent residence application streams, such as: Express Entry options(Federal Skilled Trades Class, Federal Skilled Worker Class, Canadian Experience Class), Agri-Food Pilot, Quebec Skilled Workers, Provincial Nominee Class (no employer restrictions), start-up visa (with conditions), temporary residence (TR) to permanent residence (PR) pathway, and others such as the Caregiver Pilot Program.

As for the application under the Caregiver Pilot Program, the applicant can apply if he/she has 24 months or more of work experience in Canada, holds a valid work permit, is in an implied status (i.e. the work permit holder maintains his/her legal immigration status in the country until a decision is made on his/her extension application) or is eligible for reinstatement. Remember that valid work authorization is crucial in this and all applications at the time of application.

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Steps for submitting a BOWP application

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Most BOWP applicants must submit their work permit application online. The process resembles a regular work permit application, in which the following steps are performed: 

• An online application is created from the government website.
• The necessary documents and payment of the processing fee are charged. 
• Exceptions: While online filing is the norm, individuals with compelling reasons, such as a physical or mental disability, may submit a paper application. 
• Professional assistance: for those unfamiliar with the application process, we highly recommend seeking advice from a regulated CICC consultant. At Immiland, we have regulated consultants, click here.

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Family members can also request a BOWP

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In family immigration matters, spouses or domestic partners may apply for an open work permit (BOWP), while minor children may obtain visitor registrations. In addition, dependent adult children have the option to apply for separate study or work permits, requiring the submission of government fees and relevant documentation.

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In this official government link, you can support the information in this article. If you are in Canada with a valid work permit that is about to expire and require advice on how to apply for a Bridge Open Work Permit (BOWP), you can write to us at Info@immilandcanada.com and we will gladly guide you towards your permanent residency in Canada. We invite you to explore our many immigration services at Immiland Canada.

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With love,

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Immiland

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