The Government of Canada established the Bridging Open Work Permit Program (BOWP) as an essential immigration mechanism serving foreign nationals transitioning toward permanent residence. This program responds directly to the needs of applicants who have filed permanent residence applications and seek uninterrupted work authorization throughout the adjudication process.
Through the BOWP, permanent residence applicants gain capacity to sustain Canadian employment while their applications undergo review within specific immigration streams. The program effectively bridges the temporal gap between permanent residence application filing and ultimate approval, allowing applicants to preserve work authorization, maintain Canadian residence, and deliver economic contributions during application processing timelines. The BOWP additionally promotes seamless integration into Canadian society throughout the transitional phase.
Six permanent residence program categories fall within BOWP eligibility parameters. Qualifying categories encompass: Express Entry pathways, Provincial Nominee Program streams, Quebec Skilled Worker Class applications, Caring for Children Class programs, Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class streams, and Home Child Care Provider or Home Support Worker Pilot initiatives. Distinct eligibility requirements govern each program category.
Express Entry functions as the predominant channel among economic immigration permanent residence programs for skilled immigrants pursuing Canadian permanent residence. The system serves skilled professionals committed to Canadian settlement and meaningful economic participation. Three permanent residence programs operate under Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Our qualified legal team provides comprehensive guidance through these intricate processes.
BOWP eligibility through Express Entry necessitates pending permanent residence applications filed under Express Entry streams. Express Entry profile maintenance alone proves insufficient for BOWP qualification. Applicants require Invitation to Apply (ITA) receipt followed by permanent residence application submission. Canadian residence without Quebec settlement intentions constitutes another mandatory requirement during BOWP application. Post-submission travel remains permissible during processing, although Canadian re-entry may encounter obstacles without valid ETA or Canadian visa credentials.
Work permit expiration followed by Canadian departure terminates employment authorization until new application approval. Exceptions apply to applicants holding valid work permits, maintaining worker status despite expired permits, or qualifying for status restoration and work permit acquisition. Principal applicant status on permanent residence applications remains mandatory, requiring complete application submission that successfully passed completeness checks generating application numbers. Receipt acknowledgment letters following permanent residence applications hold considerable significance.
BOWP qualification through Provincial Nominee Programs proceeds via dual pathways: Express Entry-aligned nominations and non-Express Entry nominations. Express Entry-aligned stream requirements correspond with standard Express Entry category prerequisites. Non-Express Entry provincial nominees, however, must satisfy supplementary conditions.
Such applicants must establish absence of employment restrictions through nomination letters from nominating provinces. Nomination letter copies require inclusion with BOWP applications. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate approval-in-principle status for permanent residence applications, attaching approval-in-principle decision documentation to BOWP application packages.
Caregiver category requirements diverge significantly, incorporating additional stipulations. Permanent residence approval-in-principle status must precede BOWP applications. Applicants must also submit evidence establishing 24 months of qualifying work experience. Specific requirements include: valid work permit possession, pre-expiration work permit extension applications, or status restoration eligibility with work permit qualification. Approval-in-principle decision copies must accompany supporting materials.
The Bridging Open Work Permit Program offers exceptional employment opportunities within Canada for permanent residence applicants under six qualifying programs. This program furnishes customized solutions for individuals seeking Canadian workforce participation while permanent residence applications undergo processing.