Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is an exclusive program introduced by IRCC to bridge the gap between work permits and the approval of Canada PR applications. ImmiLaw Global offers support for the BOWP application. Connect with us now.
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As the name indicates, BOWP is a bridge between the immigrant’s expired work permit and permanent residence approval in Canada. With this immigration program, the individual can work and stay in the country while the Canada PR is processed. Nonetheless, not every foreign worker is entitled to this. Those who meet the eligibility criteria can only apply under the Bridging Open Work Permit. The person is permitted to continue working for the current employer or can switch jobs during the BOWP period. The authority does not impose any restrictions in this regard on foreign workers who have applied for Canada Permanent Residence through the Express Entry Program, Provincial Nominee Program, or any other special Canada immigration schemes.
Obtaining BOWP in Canada will help the person continue earning and thus support the financial needs of themselves and their families. The ex-pat can use all the essential services like healthcare, education, and social services during this period. The IRCC has established specific criteria for those applying under this program. As per that, the individual’s work permit should expire in four months, he or she should have submitted the completed application for permanent residence to the relevant authority, and they should be eligible as per the immigration program. A person can apply for BOWP only if he or she meets all the requirements stated by the authority.
The process for BOWP or Canadian immigration would appear to be a herculean task for you. A detailed understanding of the process and the requisite documents is essential. Then only the procedure can be followed meticulously. Erroneous or incomplete applications can lead to rejection. To preclude such a possibility, we request that you reach out to ImmiLaw Global.
The best Canada immigration lawyers will support you and ensure a foolproof process.
Feel free to contact us for your queries. Our foreign immigration lawyers and consultants are happy to help you.
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Examine your eligibility for a Canadian work permit first, taking into account elements like employment offers, LMIAs (Labour Market Impact Assessments), and particular permit categories.
For detailed information on the various work permit kinds, application processes, and restrictions related to each, speak with one of our skilled Canadian immigration attorneys.
Prepare and submit your work permit application with the help of a professional, making sure that all required approvals and papers, such as job offers and LMIAs, are in order.
To ensure compliance throughout your stay in Canada, gain a thorough awareness of the limitations and requirements associated with your Canadian work visa, including the permissible job categories, locations, and durations.
A BOWP is an exclusive work permit that allows immigrants to work and stay in Canada even after the expiration of their present work permit and if they have applied for permanent residence in Canada. BOWP fills the gap between the expiration of a work permit and the issuance of a PR in Canada.
Those whose work permit is expiring in four months and have already applied for permanent residence in Canada through an eligible program can apply for BOWP. The applicant should also meet all the specific criteria required for Canada’s immigration program to seek BOWP.
Yes, ex-pat employees with BOWP are permitted to switch employers. They can either continue working for the existing employer or consider any other employer.
The validity period of BOWP depends on different factors. The status of the person’s Canada PR application is the first thing considered in this regard. Normally, the BOWP is issued for the period until the decision on the permanent residence application is made by the authority to offer legal authority to the ex-pat to continue in Canada.
No, it is not permitted to apply if the work permit in Canada has already expired. The work permit should be valid for four months while you forward the request for BOWP. The expat with an expired work permit is not eligible for BOWP.
It can happen that the foreign worker’s work permit is expiring, and they have not yet received permanent resident status in Canada. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is the solution in such a scenario. Those with four months’ work permits remaining can apply for BOWP. Note that this work permit in Canada cannot be obtained after the expiration of the present work permit. Hence, you must initiate the process in time with the help of an experienced immigration lawyer in Canada.
The applicant must have applied for PR in Canada through economic programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to become eligible for BOWP. Once the BOWP is approved, the applicant becomes legally authorized to continue staying in Canada until the Canada PR is issued. Since it is an open work permit, the foreign worker can choose the employer or location. He or she can either continue with the present employer or switch employers as convenient.
The ex-pat workers who are awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application are highly benefited from BOWP. It allows them to continue in Canada without any legal issues. The benefits offered by BOWP include:
The IRCC has promulgated guidelines and fees for applying for BOWP in Canada. You may consult our foreign immigration lawyers and consultants to comply with the procedure properly. Our immigration team, guided by immigration lawyers, undertakes the process diligently. Thereby ensuring the issuance of BOWP without any objections from the IRCC.
Make sure that you apply for BOWP well in advance. That is, the application for BOWP must be forwarded to IRCC within four months of the expiration of the present work permit, along with the fees stipulated. Delays by the individual may not be accepted by the authority. Further, the individual will not be eligible for BOWP once the work permit has expired.
The processing time for a BOWP application varies as it depends on numerous factors. The validity of BOWP will generally depend on the expected timeframe for the issue of Canada PR. Therefore, a specific validity for BOWP cannot be stated.
The BOWP program is not open to all ex-pats working in Canada. The foreign employees who have ticked all the eligibility requirements and applied for a Canada PR only can get a BOWP. This underscores the fact that individuals cannot apply for BOWP without submitting a proper Canada PR application to the authority. Renewing a work permit or checking out other Canadian immigration programs would suit such individuals. You may reach out to us if you want to know more about BOWP in detail or alternative immigration programs in Canada that might be suitable for you.
To be precise, the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a highly preferable option for those whose work permits are about to expire and are awaiting Canada PR. This open work permit in Canada permits them to work for any employer, stay in the country, and avail themselves of all the social and essential services.
The individual's financial status would remain stable with a job in the country even after the expiration of the work permit. Thereby, the person can take care of family and self. The BOWP has eliminated the requirement for the individual to leave Canada temporarily until the Canada PR is issued. In fact, this program was launched to ease the transition for such foreign workers.
Canada, a country that welcomes expats with open arms, has always been proactive toward foreign employees. The contribution of expatriates to the development and growth of Canada has been remarkable. That is the reason for the continued introduction of procedures and immigration programs that suit the needs of ex-pat employees. Furthermore, the ex-pat worker can opt for specific provinces to stay and work according to their life goals. Provinces like Quebec have exclusive immigration programs that are not included in the immigration schemes offered by Canada. Skilled professionals have much scope for immigration to such provinces.
You may talk to us to know more about Canada's immigration programs.
Affordable and reliable Canadian immigration services have been our distinctive feature since the beginning. We strive to render comprehensive, end-to-end support to our clients. We have a team of proficient immigration executives supporting Canadian immigration lawyers exclusively for this purpose.
ImmiLaw Global offers exclusive assistance and meticulous handling of all the official formalities and procedures for you. We have been the leading Canadian immigration service, with the majority of visa applications approved by the IRCC. Our expert Canadian immigration lawyers examine the documents, guide the client regarding the steps, prepare the application, and undertake all the associated processes to prevent any mistakes or anomalies, thereby enhancing the prospects of approval phenomenally.
For BOWP in Canada, consult us today.
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