1. An update on the procedure for applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) in Canada

Canada recently announced changes to the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) process to make it more convenient for workers. Currently, immigrant applicants do not need to wait 4 months before their work permit expires to apply for a BOWP, but they can be eligible for a BOWP even if their work permit expires.

The BOWP is for eligible work permit holders who have applied for Canadian permanent residence. The purpose of the BOWP is to allow these workers to continue working in Canada while they wait for Immigration Canada (IRCC) to approve their permanent residence application without a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

2. Who is BOWP for?

Under the changes announced in September, there is no longer a limit on when workers can apply for the BOWP, while previously it was within four months of the work permit's expiration.

Specifically, BOWP will be applied to the following candidates:

1. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates if they have a copy of the Nomination Letter indicating their employment is not restricted to employer and they have selected “Open Work Permit” on the application his registration;
2. Federal Food-Agriculture Pilot program applicants;
3. Candidates who are waiting for permanent residence under the Federal Express Entry stream (including 3 streams FSWP, FSTP, CEC);
4. Applicants to the Federal Caregiver stream;
5. Skilled workers in Quebec are eligible after their profile passes a full screening. 

The BOWP for Quebec skilled workers and PNP applicants can be valid for 24 months or until their passport expires, whichever comes first.

This is to ensure these applicants have enough time in Canada to wait for the processing time to expire. BOWPs issued to people in other immigration categories will be valid for 12 months. Spouses of BOWP holders do not automatically receive a BOWP but must go through registration with the Government.

Please contact iCanfield immediately for advice on  Canada's skilled immigration program .

iCanfield Vietnam Immigration &  Study Abroad Consulting Company  

Address: 93 Nguyen Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC

Hotline: 028.3822.0285