A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a type of work permit that allows certain temporary residents in Canada to continue working while they await the processing of their application for permanent residency.

The process to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit is as follows:

1. Determine eligibility: To be eligible for a BOWP, the applicant must have applied for permanent residency in Canada through one of the economic immigration programs, and their current work permit must be expiring within four months.

2. Apply for permanent residency: The applicant must have already submitted an application for permanent residency and received confirmation that the application is being processed.

3. Gather required documents: The applicant will need to provide various documents, including proof of their current status in Canada, proof of their permanent residency application, and proof of payment of the permanent residency processing fee.

4. Complete the application: The BOWP application can be submitted online or by mail.

5. Pay the application fee: There is a fee to apply for a BOWP, which must be paid when you submit your application.

6. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a BOWP can vary, but it typically takes around four to five months. You can check the status of your application online.

Once the BOWP is approved, the applicant can continue working for any employer in Canada while they await a decision on their permanent residency application. The BOWP is typically valid for the same period as the applicant’s current work permit or until a decision is made on their permanent residency application, whichever comes first. It’s important to note that a BOWP is not available to all temporary residents in Canada and eligibility requirements must be met.