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There are some changes for the bridging open work permit according to the Canadian government published some changes they’ve made this past September 2021, on the BOWP program. When you are in Canada as a work permit holder and you submit an application for your permanent residence, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) program allows you to keep working between the “gap” you receive in your response regarding your PR application. 

In the past, you should have applied for the BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit) four months before your work permit expired, but no more! With the new changes for the bridging open work permit. Now you may be eligible to apply before the conclusion of it, or even after with an expired work permit. 

To be eligible you must:

• Be living in Canada (Quebec not included)
• Either:
  • Have a valid work permit 
  • Have an expired work permit but maintained your status as a worker 
  • Be eligible to restore your status and get a work permit 

• Be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application
• Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check. 
• Have your acknowledge of receipt letter
  • The Canadian government sends this letter to your account after they get your permanent residence application

And, of course, have applied to one of the permanent residence programs below:

• Permanent residence using Express Entry 
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec skilled workers 
• Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot 
• Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class 
• Agri-Food Pilot

Spouses or common-law partners can apply for an open spousal work permit under C41 when you have your BOWP  and he or she must provide proof of the Bridging Open Permit holder’s NOC.

For more information, please contact us at info@mdsconsulting.ca  or book a consultation at https://mdsconsulting.ca/online-booking/