Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its regulations to make the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) more accessible for those awaiting permanent residency. This work permit allows eligible temporary foreign workers to remain in Canada and work while their permanent residence application is being processed—helping them avoid employment gaps during lengthy processing times.
One of the most notable changes removes the restriction that limited BOWP applications to within four months of a work permit’s expiry. Now, eligible applicants can apply at any time, providing greater flexibility. Additionally, individuals who have let their status expire but are eligible to restore it, or who maintained worker status while in Canada, can now qualify for a BOWP.
The eligibility for BOWPs has also been expanded to include applicants from various immigration streams:
– Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants, provided they hold an unrestricted nomination and selected “Open Work Permit” on their application.
– Agri-Food Pilot candidates who apply online and include an approval-in-principle letter.
– Quebec Skilled Worker Program applicants, following a completeness check of their file.
Valid for up to 24 months (or until applicants’ passports expire), BOWPs give Quebec and PNP applicants sufficient time to stay in Canada while awaiting a decision. Those applying through other streams—such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Agri-Food Pilot—will typically receive a 12-month work permit.
To be eligible for a BOWP, applicants must already be in Canada and must have applied under specific economic immigration programs. Importantly, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required, since the applicant’s presence in Canada is already viewed as providing an economic benefit.
Spouses and common-law partners of BOWP holders must apply separately to receive a work permit. Their eligibility depends on the program the main applicant applied under and, in most cases, on whether the principal applicant works in a skilled role classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, or 2 (formerly NOC 0, A, or B). For workers in the Quebec Skilled Worker or PNP streams, their spouse’s ability to work is not dependent on job classification.
Applications for BOWPs must be submitted from inside Canada. If a spouse is outside the country, they must wait until the principal applicant’s BOWP is approved before applying for their own spousal open work permit. Both permits may be submitted together if the couple is residing within Canada.
With these reforms, Canada aims to offer more stability for skilled foreign workers by minimizing employment disruptions and keeping talent within the workforce while permanent residency applications are reviewed.