Last Updated:March 4, 2025
What is a Bridge Open Work Permit?
This is an open work permit for individuals who are currently applying for permanent residence, allowing them to work while awaiting the review of their application. There are no restrictions on the type of work they can engage in. Typically, a one-year work permit is issued, with the option to apply for an extension.
Permanent residence categories eligible to apply for a Bridge Open Work Permit
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Canadian Experience Classes
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Provincial Nominee Program
- Agri-Food Pilot Program
- Caregiver Class
Application requirements for a Bridge Open Work Permit
- You are residing in Canada at the time of application.
- You have a valid work permit at the time of application.
- You have a pending application for permanent residence in the subject category and are the principal applicant.
- You have passed the pre-assessment for permanent residence.
If any of the following cases apply to you, you are not eligible to apply for a Bridge Open Work Permit.
- You are in Canada without a work permit.
- You already have a work permit that has expired and must apply for restoration.
- You have already been issued a new LMIA and can apply for a work permit based on that LMIA.
- You are applying from outside Canada or at the border.
Notes for a Bridge Open Work Permit application
- If there are issues with the immigration application review, the processing of the Bridge Open Work Permit will be transferred to the local Canadian office in the applicant’s area of residence.
- The Bridge Open Work Permit is valid for one year, and extensions are determined on a case-by-case basis.
- If an Immigration Medical Exam is not conducted, the following conditions apply: “Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health service field occupations” and “Not authorized to work in the agricultural field.”
- In each Provincial Nominee Program, only applicants with a pending immigrant application are eligible.
- The Employment Location is limited to that province.
- The spouse of the principal applicant will not be issued a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) but will receive a Spousal Open Work Permit for the BOWP holder.
- The principal applicant’s children will not be issued a Bridging Open Work Permit. Children will only be eligible for a visitor record.
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