Availability of Bridging Open Work Permits expanded

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has expanded access to A-75, Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs).

Key Points:

• Individuals who are on implied status, eligible for restoration of status and those who have valid work permits with more than four months of validity remaining are eligible for BOWPs.
• Foreign national applicants who are in the following classes and meet the requirements listed below are now eligible for BOWPs.
  • Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) applicants. PNP applicants are eligible if they provide a copy of the nomination letter that indicates their employment is unrestricted and they are selected “Open Work Permit” on their application form.
  • Agri-Food Pilot (AFP) applicants. AFP applicants must provide their approval in principle letter and submit their applications online.
  • Quebec skilled worker applicants. Quebec skilled worker applicants are eligible after they complete a completeness check.

Additional Information: The BOWP lets individuals keep working while they wait for the results of permanent residence applications. The BOWP remains available to the federal skilled worker class, Canadian experience class, federal skilled trades class and the caring for children class. More information on the BOWPs and specific eligibility requirements can be found here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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