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BRIDGING OPEN 
WORK 
PERMIT 

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows a foreign worker in Canada, to continue working while he or she awaits the results of their permanent residence application.

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A foreign worker who holds a valid work permit due to expire within four months, and who is an in-Canada permanent residence applicant having applied under one of the eligible economic immigration programs, may be considered for a bridging open work permit; allowing them to continue working until a decision is made on his or her permanent residence application.

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The eligible programs include:

  • Canadian Experience Class

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Provincial Nominee Program

  • Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot

  • Agri-Food Pilot

What are the eligibility requirements for a bridging open work permit based on program?

 

Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program

You must:

  • Live in Canada

  • Have a valid work permit or an expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker, or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit

  • Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application

  • Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check

  • Have your acknowledgment of receipt letter

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Provincial Nominee Program

You must:

  • Live in Canada

  • Have a valid work permit or an expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker, or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit

  • Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application

  • Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check

  • Have no employment restrictions as a condition of your nomination

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Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot

You must:

  • Live in Canada

  • Have a valid work permit or applied for extension before your original permit expired; or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit

  • Be approved in principle for permanent residence

  • Prove you have 24 months of qualifying work experience

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Agri-Food Pilot

You must:

  • Live in Canada

  • Have a valid work permit or an expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker, or be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit

  • Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application

  • Be approved in principle for permanent residence

Contact Lumen Immigration for more information about bridging open work permit or assistance applying for a BOWP.

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