Our D2D team is dedicated to providing access to open work permits. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada to extend their status while awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application. The BOWP is available only to those who have submitted a permanent residency application and already possess a valid work permit. A successful BOWP application results in an open work permit, which allows the holder to work for multiple employers in multiple locations of their own choice.
Bridging open work permits are typically issued for 24 months. If the processing of a permanent residence application exceeds the validity of a BOWP, extensions may be issued for 12 months. However, a Bridging open work permit cannot be issued beyond the validity of the applicant’s passport.
If a BOWP holder is currently working in Canada in a skilled occupation, their spouse may apply for an open work permit. Dependent children may also accompany the BOWP holder by applying for a visitor record. In most cases, BOWP applicants must apply online through their IRCC secure account. Applicants facing difficulties with the online application process can apply on paper.
Express Entry applicants applying for BOWP may do so once they receive an acknowledgment of receipt letter through their IRCC My Portal account. Quebec Skilled Worker Class applicants must wait until they have passed the completeness check stage of their application.
The documents required for a Canadian work permit will depend on the type of work permit you are applying for. One common reason for the refusal of a BOWP is if applicants submit an incomplete permanent residence application. If a BOWP is refused, you may continue to work on that permit as long as it is not revoked.
Please contact us to discuss your work permit needs.