Are you interested in extending your stay in Canada? If so, then the Bridging Open Work Permit might be just what you need. This comprehensive guide will break down the entire process from start to finish. From understanding the requirements to filing for a work permit, this article will provide you with all the information and tools needed to successfully complete this process. Read on to learn more!

Introduction

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows eligible temporary foreign workers and international students to extend their stay in Canada while they wait for the results of their permanent residence application.

In order to apply for a bridging open work permit (BOWP), you must:

– Be currently working in Canada on a valid work permit that will expire within 4 months of the date of your BOWP application;

– Have applied for permanent residence under one of the following programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Program, or certain components of the Start-Up Visa Program; and

– Meet all other eligibility criteria set out by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If you are approved for a BOWP, you will be issued an open work permit that will allow you to work for any employer in Canada. The length of your BOWP will depend on how long it takes IRCC to process your permanent residence application.

Applying for a BOWP is a great way to extend your stay in Canada while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed. Follow the steps below to apply for a BOWP.

What is a Bridging Open Work Permit?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows eligible temporary foreign workers and international students to extend their work permit while they wait for the results of their permanent residence application.

The BOWP program is designed to help reduce the impact of job loss on foreign workers and their families while they are waiting for their permanent residence application to be processed.

To be eligible for a BOWP, you must:

– Have a valid work permit that is about to expire,

– Have applied for permanent residence through one of the following programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Program, and

– Meet all other eligibility criteria.

If you are approved for a BOWP, you will be issued a work permit that is valid for up to four years or until your permanent residence application is approved (whichever comes first).

The BOWP program is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

How to Apply for a BOWP

There are a few things you need in order to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). First, you must have an offer of employment in Canada. The job offer must be from a Canadian employer and be for a position that is classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system as 0, A, or B. Second, you must already have a valid work permit that will expire within four months of the date you submit your application for the BOWP. Third, you must intend to leave Canada when your current work permit expires. Finally, you must meet all other requirements for temporary foreign workers in Canada.

To apply for a BOWP, you will need to submit the following documents to Immigration, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):

1. – A completed Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada form
2. – Your current valid work permit
3. – Your most recent passport or travel document
4. – Two photographs of yourself that meet IRCC’s photo specifications
5. – The application fee ($155 CAD) and the processing fee ($100 CAD)

Documents Required for the Application

In order to extend your stay in Canada, you will need to submit a number of documents as part of your application. These include:

1. – Your passport or travel document
2. – Two recent passport photographs (35mm x 45mm)
3. – A copy of your current work permit, if you have one
4. – A letter from your employer confirming your job offer and salary details
5. -An completed Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker form (IMM 5710)
6. – The applicable processing fee

Processing Time & Fees

The first step in applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit is to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, you must:

• – Have a valid work permit that will expire within 4 months
• – Have applied for permanent residence in Canada and have not yet received a decision on your application
• – Be able to demonstrate that you have been employed full-time in Canada for at least 1 year out of the last 2 years

If you meet all of the above criteria, you may then proceed with your application. The next step is to gather all of the required documentation. This includes:

• -A copy of your current work permit
• -A copy of your permanent residence application receipt number
• -Proof of employment in Canada (e.g. pay stubs, T4 slips, and letter from employer)
• -Passport-style photographs
• -The processing fee ($155 CAD)

Once you have gathered all of the required documentation, you are ready to submit your application. You can do this online or by mail. If applying online, you will need to create an account with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once you have logged in, select “Apply for a Work Permit” from the “I want to…” menu. If applying by mail, send your completed application forms and supporting documents to the following address:

Benefits of Applying for a BOWP

There are many benefits to applying for a BOWP. For one, it allows you to extend your stay in Canada. Additionally, it can help you transition to another type of work permit if your current work permit expires before you are able to apply for permanent residence. Finally, it can provide you with the opportunity to work in a different occupation while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed.

Tips for Making Your Application Process Easier

If you’re looking to extend your stay in Canada, one option is to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This type of work permit allows you to work in Canada while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed. Here are some tips to make the process of applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit easier:

1. Make sure you’re eligible. To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must already have a valid work permit that’s about to expire. You also need to have submitted an application for permanent residence and be waiting for a decision on your application.
2. Get all the required documents together. When you apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you’ll need to submit several documents, including an employment letter from your current employer and evidence that you’ve submitted an application for permanent residence. Check the list of required documents before you start putting your application together so you don’t forget anything.
3. Apply online or by mail. You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit online or by mail. If you apply online, you’ll need to create an account with the Canadian government’s MyCIC website and pay the application fee using a credit card. If you apply by mail, you can pay the fee with a money order or certified cheque.
4. Wait for a decision on your application. Once your application received, it will reviewed by immigration officials.

Conclusion

Applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit is an important step in extending your stay in Canada and continuing to pursue professional success. With the right documents, it’s easy to apply for one and get it approved quickly. We hope this guide has helped you understand what steps needed to secure a Bridging Open Work Permit and have given you all the information you need to make sure that your application goes smoothly. Good luck with your application!