Have you ever considered applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada?
This type of permit is the perfect solution for foreign nationals waiting for the decision on their permanent residence application, allowing them to continue working in Canada while their application is processed. This program has been seen as a significant positive for foreign nationals, as it will enable them to remain in the country to pursue their dreams of permanent residence. The BOWP also benefits employers, providing them with a greater talent pool of potential applicants.
For many, the BOWP is a crucial step in their journey to living and working in Canada. The government’s efforts to ensure that foreign nationals are not exploited are commendable.
This article covers essential information about the BOWP.
What Is BOWP?
The Bridging Open Work Permit is a unique program instituted by the Canadian government that allows eligible temporary residents to bridge the gap between their current work permit and permanent residence in Canada. It is designed to bridge the gap between the end of a foreign worker’s current work permit and the start of their permanent residence in Canada. The BOWP allows foreign workers to remain in Canada and continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed.
The BOWP program is essential to the Canadian immigration system, allowing foreign nationals to remain in Canada. At the same time, they await their permanent residence status.
The Canadian government has also ensured that foreign nationals granted a BOWP are not exploited. To this end, the government has mandated that employers provide foreign nationals with wages, benefits, and working conditions commensurate with their Canadian counterparts.
Who Is Eligible For BOWP?
To be eligible for a BOWP, foreign nationals must meet specific requirements. They must already have a valid work permit and be in the process of applying for permanent residence through one of the following Canadian immigration programs:
• FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER CLASS:
The Federal Skilled Worker Class is a program for permanent residence in Canada for qualified individuals with the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the Canadian economy.
• CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS:
The Canadian Experience Class is a federal immigration program that allows certain temporary foreign workers and foreign student graduates who have Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
• FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES CLASS:
The Federal Skilled Trade Class is a Canadian immigration program that enables skilled workers with experience in specific trades to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The program is designed to help individuals with experience in skilled trades obtain Canadian permanent residence.
• PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAM:
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who wish to settle in that particular province or territory. Each province and territory have its own unique Provincial Nominee Program tailored to the specific economic, labour market and demographic needs of the province or territory.
• CARING FOR CHILDREN CLASS:
The Caring for Children Class is a basic introduction to childcare. It is designed to help prepare individuals for roles such as childcare workers, nannies, and day-care workers. This class covers primary childcare, safety and first aid, nutrition, communication, and discipline.
• CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH HIGH MEDICAL NEEDS CLASS:
Caring for people with high medical needs is an important job, and many specialized classes are available in Canada to help people learn the necessary skills. These classes are ideal for those who want to become a nurse, caregivers, or medical assistants or those already working in healthcare who want to expand their knowledge.
• AGRI-FOOD PILOT:
The Agri-Food Pilot is a Canadian immigration program created in 2019 to address labor shortages in the agri-food sector. The program enables employers to bring in foreign employees to work in Canada for two years, with the option of obtaining permanent residency. The program is open to workers from all countries and in various occupations, including crop production, animal production, processing, and support.
• QUEBEC SKILLED WORKER:
The Quebec Skilled Worker Program is designed for the purpose of bringing in and keeping skilled workers in the province of Quebec. It assesses applicants based on their ability to become economically established in the province. It is managed by the Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Diversity, and Inclusion (MIDI).
In addition, applicants must have submitted a complete permanent residence application and meet all other eligibility criteria for the specific category in which they are applying.
Applicants should also note that a BOWP can only be issued after their work permit expires.
It is essential to recognize that not everyone who applies is qualified for a BOWP. Applicants who are inadmissible to Canada due to criminal convictions, security, or medical reasons are not eligible. Furthermore, applicants already permanent residents of Canada are not eligible for a BOWP.
If you meet the requirements and are eligible for a BOWP, you should apply immediately. This will help ensure that you can continue to work in Canada while your permanent residence application is being processed.
How To Apply For BOWP Canada?
To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada, specific requirements must be met. In general, you must be in Canada, have a valid work permit, and have applied to extend or change your work permit conditions.
- Have a valid work permit
- Have applied to extend your work permit or to change its conditions
- Be currently in Canada
- Have applied for permanent residence in Canada
- Have received a favorable eligibility decision for your permanent residence application but have not yet received your visa. Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, you should apply for a BOWP.
The form and fee are online at Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website.
Documents Needed For BOWP Canada:
To apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada, you will need the following documents:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of your current status in Canada (such as a work permit, or visitor record)
- Evidence of your application for permanent residence (such as an IMM 5292 form or IMM 5688 form)
- Evidence of your current job offer or job search activities in Canada
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if applicable)
- A valid medical exam receipt (if applicable)
- A valid police clearance certificate (if applicable)
- The appropriate processing fee.
What Is The Processing Time Period For BOWP?
The processing time for a bridging open work permit (BOWP) can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Generally, the processing time can range from one to three months from when the application is received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The processing time for a BOWP is affected by the complexity of the individual’s case, the completeness of the application, and the accuracy of the documents provided. The processing time can also be affected by how quickly the applicant can provide any additional details or documents requested by the IRCC.
The processing time for a BOWP can also be affected by the current volume of applications being processed by the IRCC. It is essential to know that the IRCC does not guarantee specific application processing times. In conclusion, the processing time for a bridging open work permit can range from one to three months from the time the IRCC receives the application.