Understanding the eligibility of the Bridging Open Work Permit is crucial for foreign nationals seeking to work in Canada while their PR application is under processing. Without a BOWP, foreign nationals with their accompanying family members, spouses, common-law partners, and dependents will need to depart from Canada temporarily, stay here as a visitor (preventing them from working in Canada), or get an employer who would obtain the LMIA.

In comparison to work permits with the LMIA requirement, BOWP offers flexibility to the permit holder. This is also due to Open Work Permits enabling the holder to work under most employers in several industries in Canada.

Understanding the eligibility of the Bridging Open Work Permit

To gain eligibility for BOWP, foreign nationals must fulfill the following requirements:

  • They must currently reside in Canada after having legal permission to enter here as a temporary resident. 
  • Be a valid status holder in Canada in one of the following ways: a valid work permit, a maintained status alongside work authorization, or after applying for a work permit renewal. 
  • Qualify to restore the temporary resident status. 
  • They must have submitted their permanent residence applications through Express Entry programs. These include:
  • The Canadian Experience Class 
  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program 
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program 
  • They could also apply for PR through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, the Provincial Nominee Program, or the Agri-Food Pilot Program. 
  • Caring for Children Class/ Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class. (If the program’s application submission occurred before June 18, 2019). 

Additional eligibility requirements

Fulfilling at least one of the following stages in the Application for Permanent Residence is mandatory. However, it will depend on the applicant’s application for the economic immigration program. 

  • Express Entry: Electronic APR must qualify for completeness verification under IRPA’s Section 10. 
  • QSW Program: APR must have cleared the completeness check per IRPA’s Section 10. 
  • Other BOWP-eligible programs: Candidates have obtained a positive eligibility evaluation on their APR. 

Foreign nationals who are eligible to restore their temporary residence status must also have permission to work through a work permit. 

BOWP’s family members and their eligibility for an Open Work Permit

The eligibility for an open work permit differs based on the family member’s relationship with BOWP.

Spouse or common-law partner

A BOWP holder’s spouse or common-law partner may become eligible for an OWP if the BOWP holder fulfills the following requirements:

  • They are either work permit holders or have the authority to work in Canada without having a work permit. 
  • They have legal permission to work in Canada for at least six months from receiving the Spousal Open Work Permit application. 
  • They are presently residing in Canada or intend to do so while working. 
  • They share an authentic relationship with their spouse or common-law partner. 
  • Their employment must fulfill at least one of the following requirements:
  • If their profession falls under the NOC skill level O, A, and B.   
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot applicants only under the NOC O, A, B, and C. 
  • They are employed under any occupation if they have a Quebec Selection Certificate or a provincial certificate. 

Dependent children

A BOWP holder’s dependent children do not qualify for an Open Work Permit. Instead of applying for a work permit, they must acquire an LMIA or at least have an LMIA exemption.

IRCC’s employment location conditions for BOWP applicants

As discussed above, Open Work Permits provide flexibility to holders concerning who they work for and their potential to switch to new environments. However, the BOWP’s requirements can be put on the work location of holders in two situations.

PNP applicants

IRCC necessitates that applicants under the Provincial Nominee Program applying for a BOWP must be limited to employment locations (for BOWP) existing in the nominating province or territory.

Quebec applicants

QSWP applicants must choose the Quebec province as their employment location when applying for a BOWP.

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].