Open Work Permit

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are currently working in Canada on an authorized work permit to extent their status while waiting for a conclusion on their permanent residency application process. The BOWP enables the applicant to work for a Canadian employer without the requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eligibility For A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A foreign national must meet the following condition in order to be eligible for the BOWP:
• Currently living in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• Hold a valid work permit with valid temporary resident status
• have applied to renew their work permit and are on maintained status in Canada
• are eligible to restore temporary resident status with authorization to work on a work permit in Canada.
• Has applied as a principal applicant in one of given Canada's permanent resident classes:
a) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
b) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
c) Caregiver Class
d) Agri-Food Pilot (AFP)
e) Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
f) Quebec Skilled Worker Class (QSWC)
g) Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Have passed the section R10
completeness check for an QSWC application or Express Entry application or
• Received a positive assessment after applying under an application in :
• Non-express entry PNP stream
• Looking after children class
• Looking after people with High Medical Need Class, Agri-food Pilot

International Experience Canada (IEC) Program

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a set of programs given to young people (youth) between the age of 18-35 years, citizens of a particular partner country or the ones who are applying through a recognized organization to travel to Canada to live and work temporarily. Work permits issued within this category are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Here are the three categories under the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program :
• Working Holiday
• International Co-op (Internship)
• Young Professional

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is for individuals who:
• Do not have a Canadian job offer.
• Want to work for more than one employer
• Want to work in more than one location
• Want to earn while travelling and exploring in Canada.

International Co-op Internship IEC

The International Co-op Internship category enables students in a post-secondary institution in their country to live in Canada to intern for a Canadian company.
This Internship is for individuals who: • Is an active student registered at a post-secondary institution (like a college or university) & your internship is a part of your study.
• Have a valid job offer in Canada that is needed to complete their studies.
• Plans on working with the same employer during their time in Canada at the same location.

Young Professionals IEC

The Young Professionals category of the IEC enables individuals in participating countries to acquire experience by working for a Canadian company. Within this program, foreign nationals will receive an employer-specific work permit.

The individuals under Young Professional IEC:

• Must have a valid Canadian job offer which also contributes to their professional work growth.
• Plan on working with the same employer during their time in Canada at the same location
• Paid work, not self-employed

Eligibility Criteria for International Experience Class (IEC) Program

• Country of Citizenship :- Must be a citizen of the partner countries or countries having a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada. Canada has over 30 partner countries. The citizen would be eligible when he has applied through one of the recognized organizations.
• Proof of funds: must have at least $2,500 to cover initial expenses in Canada.
• Age: Must be between the age of (18-35 years). The age limit is specific to the country.
• Health Insurance: Have heath Insurance for you to reside in Canada.
• Dependent: Must not bring Dependent with you.
• Sufficient Funds/Round Trip Ticket: Must have adequate funds to purchase a ticket at end of your work permit validity or round trip ticket.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is a process which allows Canadian employers without obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign workers on a temporary work permit. This process gives many advantages to employers along with being faster than the Temporary foreign worker requiring LMIA.

International Mobility Program (Key Features)

International Mobility Program (Key Features) • Employer-specific work permits or Open work permits • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required. • Mainly driven by the Bilateral/Multilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with other countries. • The main objective is to improve Canada's economic, cultural and social interests. International Trade Agreements Canada gives work permits to qualified foreign nationals under the following trade agreements. The individuals applying for this category do not need an LMIA. • CUSMA: Canada- United States- Mexico • Canada- Colombia FTA • Canada- Korea FTA • Canada- Panama Free Trade Agreement • Canada- Peru FTA • GATS: General Agreement on Trade in Services • CPTPP: Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership • CETA: Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement