Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): Through Express Entry

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows a worker or professional to continue his or her stay in Canada while his or her application for permanent residence is in progress. FSWC, FSTC, and CEC applications are fast tracked through the Express Entry selection system.

Once the bridging open work permit is issued, the person may continue to stay in Canada until the time Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made a decision on his or her immigration application. When a person applies for permanent residency under any one (or more) immigration programs that are managed through the Express Entry selection system, he or she has the following benefits:

• Fast processing (less than 6 months’ time)
• The person only needs the application receipt confirmation letter from IRCC
• Flexibility to work anywhere in Canada (no geographic restrictions)

Once the application for permanent residence (eAPR) is submitted, the immigration authority will issue the “acknowledgement of receipt” letter to the applicant. The applicant can then apply for the bridging open work permit based on this acknowledgement letter, instead of waiting for any additional conformation(s) from IRCC or the final decision on his or her immigration application. Once the applicant has received the BOWP, he or she can bring his or her spouse, subject to the conditions applicable under each Express Entry program category. To know more, click here.

Under all circumstances, the applicant’s dependents need to obtain an LMIA if they wish to work in Canada, or else, they must fall under the LMIA exempt category.