Wondering about the answer to can I extend my Work Permit while waiting for PR? The answer to this is Yes. Processing a PR can take a lot of time; therefore you may need to extend your work permit until you finally get your PR. In this article, you will find the best way to extend your work permit while waiting for your PR to be processed.
Getting a Work permit in Canada is a pathway to becoming a Permanent resident. The Application for PR is usually a lengthy process and your work permit may expire along the line. If this happens, you will need to extend your work permit until your PR is ready. Once you have been issued permanent residence, you can work as a permanent resident in Canada and no longer as a temporary worker.
How To Extend my Work Permit While Waiting for PR
A work permit in Canada is valid for 1 year. If your work permit expires, you are required to extend it or return to your home country. You can apply for an extension in the first 90 days after your work permit expires.
However, after 90 days, you are allowed to remain in Canada if you have applied to extend your work permit and your application is processed.
Please note that you are required to apply for an extension of your Work permit at least 3 months before it expires.
Depending on how I apply to extend my work permit while waiting for PR, I may be asked to stop working until the process is complete. If you must continue working while waiting for the extension, the best way to extend your work permit is through the Bridging Open Work Permit.
What is the Bridging Open Work Permit?
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a program introduced by the Canadian Government to help temporary foreign workers transit smoothly to permanent residents. It was created to allow temporary foreign workers to stay in Canada while their PR is processed.
Prior to the introduction of BOWP, if your work permit expires while your PR is in process, you will be required to exit Canada or remain as a visitor and stop working.
With the Bridging Open Work Permit, temporary foreign workers can continue working in Canada while their PR is in process. However, to apply for the BOWP, you must be eligible.
Who is Eligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit?
To qualify for the Bridging Open Work Permit, you must meet the following requirements
- You must be currently present in Canada
- Your PR application has been confirmed to be in process.
- Your temporary work permit will expire within the next 4 months or less.
The following PR programs make you eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada:
- Express Entry
- Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
- Agri-Food Pilot
- Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canada Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Please note that If you applied for PR through the Provincial Nominee Program, your BOWP will be restricted to only the province you applied to.
Who is Ineligible for the Bridging Open Work Permit
If you fall into any of the following categories, You may be ineligible for the BOWP
- If your PNP certificate of nomination has employment restrictions
- If you applied for PR while living in Quebec unless you have a Quebec Selection Certificate.
How to Apply for BOWP
You may apply for the BOWP online following these steps:
- Confirm if you meet all the requirements in the Canadian Immigration Website
- Take a medical exam as requested of you.
- Scan and upload all Required Documents.
- Pay for the BOWP application fee of $255
- Review your uploads
- Submit the application
If you’re applying for the BOWP on paper, you are required to mail:
- The forms you filled
- Your evidence of payment, and
- All Required documents to the appropriate office in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
What are the Required Documents?
The following documents are required to apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit
- Your Passport
- A digital photograph.
- The online application form
- Family Information Form (IMM 5645 E)
- Application for the Temporary Resident Visa (optional)
When Can I Apply for the BOWP
It is advisable to apply for the Bridging Open Work Permit after applying for your PR and has gotten an Acknowledgement of Receipt from IRCC.
How Long Does It Take to Process the BOWP
Processing the BOWP takes about 60 to 100 days. However, you can continue to work in Canada until the application is approved.
Validity of the Bridging Open Work Permit
The Bridging Open Work Permit is valid for one year from the day it was issued. Your PR application must have been approved by then.
However, if you haven’t received any feedback on your PR, Then the question of can I extend my work permit while waiting for PR would come up, and yes you can request an extension of your BOWP.
If you need assistance with applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit or further questions on the topic of how can I extend my Work Permit While Waiting for PR, immigly.com is willing to assist you so just use the comment section.
