Securing a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada is Now Less Complicated!

Canada has recently made some critical changes to the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) program, which might help you secure it faster and with more ease. The Bridging Open Work Permit will now be more accessible to immigration applicants. Previously, immigration applicants had to wait until four months before the expiry of their work permit to complete their application for the BOWP. In fact, candidates can satisfy the eligibility requirements of the BOWP and apply even if their work permit has already expired. 

New changes

BOWPs are issued to those work permit holders who have submitted their applications for Canadian permanent residence. The Bridging Open Work Permit lets the workers continue their work in Canada as they wait for IRCC to process their permanent residency application and give a verdict.

The BOWP can now be availed by the following groups of applicants:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants
• Agri-Food Pilot applicants 
• Quebec skilled workers

Canada will no longer impose a limit on when a candidate applies for the BOWP. Applicants will no longer have to wait for the last four months before the permit’s expiry date.

One important thing to remember is that the changes will allow candidates with expired work permits to apply for BWOP as well as long as you are eligible for restoration. You can also apply for it if you are staying in Canada on “maintained status.” 

Usually, the partners of BOWP holders are not automatically eligible to receive a BOWP. They have to follow an immigration route themselves until they are eligible to apply for permanent residence.