What are the key requirements, costs, and processing times for Bridging Open Work Permit?

To be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit, you must have a pending permanent residence application in an eligible economic program, such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program, and currently hold a valid work permit that is nearing expiry or have maintained your status. You must also be physically present in Canada when applying and submit your application before your current work permit expires. Additionally, you need to pay the required fees, which include a work permit fee and an open work permit holder fee.

The key requirements for a Bridging Open Work Permit include having a complete permanent residence application, being the principal applicant, and meeting the eligibility criteria for the program. You can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit online, and it's essential to create an account or sign in to your existing account to submit your application and pay the required fees.

The processing time and cost for a Bridging Open Work Permit may vary, and it's crucial to check the official government website for the most up-to-date information. You can apply for faster processing if you have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer in certain occupations, such as healthcare, or if you have a support letter from a Canadian province or territory.

It's also important to note that you can leave Canada while your application is being processed, but if you leave after your work permit expires, you won't be able to work until your new application is approved. To avoid any issues, ensure you apply for your Bridging Open Work Permit before your current work permit expires, and pay both the work permit fee and the open work permit holder fee, which are currently $155 and $100, respectively.