Maple News reports that foreign nationals currently working in Canada and awaiting the processing of their permanent residence (PR) applications may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — a valuable immigration tool that allows applicants and their families to remain in Canada and continue working legally.
A Bridging Open Work Permit offers a practical alternative for those whose temporary residence status or work permit is close to expiration. Without a BOWP, foreign nationals would be forced to either leave Canada temporarily, switch to visitor status (which prohibits work), or rely on an employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for a new job-specific work permit.
Unlike employer-tied permits, the BOWP is an open work permit, which means holders have flexibility to work for almost any employer across Canada, in most industries. This can provide significant freedom and continuity for professionals and skilled workers seeking long-term settlement in the country.
To qualify for a BOWP, applicants must be physically present in Canada with valid temporary resident status or be eligible to restore it. They must also have applied for permanent residence under one of the following economic programs: Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades Program), the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSW), the Agri-Food Pilot, or two now-limited caregiver pathways (submitted before June 18, 2019).
Applicants must also have reached a certain milestone in their PR application process. Those using Express Entry or the QSW program must have passed Immigration Canada’s completeness check according to Section 10 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). For other eligible streams, a positive eligibility assessment on the PR application is required.
It’s important to note that those seeking to restore their status must also hold authorization to work, either through a work permit or by virtue of having applied for an extension before their status expired.
In terms of family members, spouses or common-law partners of BOWP holders may qualify for an open work permit themselves, depending on the principal applicant’s program of application and their occupation.
For many prospective immigrants, the BOWP acts as a vital bridge, allowing them to continue contributing to Canadian society and supporting their families financially while their long-term status is finalized. As always, applicants are encouraged to carefully review the latest IRCC guidelines or consult professional legal advice when navigating their eligibility.
Maple News will continue to provide timely updates on Canada’s evolving immigration programs, including BOWP developments and new government policies.