Bridging Open Work Permit under CEC - Please Help

[endlesstechno]

Hey all, wanted to ask a question about applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit Visa. I've scoured the canadavisa.com forums as well as done numerous other searches but am still unsure of a few things...

I've submitted my PR application under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and have received the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. In this document, it states that if I meet all the other eligibility criteria, I can use this letter (the AOR), to apply for a bridging open work permit visa. My Work Permit expires Oct. 27 so I definitely need this...(why am I cutting it so fine - it's a long story).
Anyway, the website states:
You may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if:

• you applied for permanent residence
• your current work permit expires in 4 months or less
• you have valid status on your work permit
• you are currently in Canada

It also states, 'When you submit your work permit application, include the supporting documents listed in your document checklist and add a copy of your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter. Upload these documents using the “Letter of Explanation” entry in your document checklist.'

Find here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html

All of this is true. However, when I fill out the eligibility tool to generate a documents checklist, there is a question which asks,
'Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle (AIP) for permanent residence in Canada?'

If I answer yes to this, I am able to apply for the open work permit, if I answer no, I am not. My question is, does the AOR qualify as the AIP in this circumstance?

There is another website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/bulletins-2012/485-december-15-2012.html) which states, 'applicants who apply under in-Canada PR classes (Live-in Caregiver class, Spouses or Common-law Partners in Canada class, Protected Persons, etc.) become eligible for open WPs once their application has been “approved in principle”, or upon submission of their application'

'It also states, for CEC: the “Eligibility CEC” decision has been set to “Passed” or the Acknowledgement of Receipt letter/e-mail has been sent from CIO.'

Has anyone else had this problem and what was the resolution?

tl;dr: When applying for a bridging open work permit for the CEC, does the AOR count as the AIP?

Thank you for any help in advance x

 

[manidhatt]

Hey all, wanted to ask a question about applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit Visa. I've scoured the canadavisa.com forums as well as done numerous other searches but am still unsure of a few things...

I've submitted my PR application under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and have received the Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC. In this document, it states that if I meet all the other eligibility criteria, I can use this letter (the AOR), to apply for a bridging open work permit visa. My Work Permit expires Oct. 27 so I definitely need this...(why am I cutting it so fine - it's a long story).
Anyway, the website states:
You may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if:

• you applied for permanent residence
• your current work permit expires in 4 months or less
• you have valid status on your work permit
• you are currently in Canada

It also states, 'When you submit your work permit application, include the supporting documents listed in your document checklist and add a copy of your Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter. Upload these documents using the “Letter of Explanation” entry in your document checklist.'

Find here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend-permit/bridging-open-work-permit.html

All of this is true. However, when I fill out the eligibility tool to generate a documents checklist, there is a question which asks,
'Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle (AIP) for permanent residence in Canada?'

If I answer yes to this, I am able to apply for the open work permit, if I answer no, I am not. My question is, does the AOR qualify as the AIP in this circumstance?

There is another website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/bulletins-2012/485-december-15-2012.html) which states, 'applicants who apply under in-Canada PR classes (Live-in Caregiver class, Spouses or Common-law Partners in Canada class, Protected Persons, etc.) become eligible for open WPs once their application has been “approved in principle”, or upon submission of their application'

'It also states, for CEC: the “Eligibility CEC” decision has been set to “Passed” or the Acknowledgement of Receipt letter/e-mail has been sent from CIO.'

Has anyone else had this problem and what was the resolution?

tl;dr: When applying for a bridging open work permit for the CEC, does the AOR count as the AIP?

Thank you for any help in advance x

I have personally applied for BOWP in 2016 and I applied just with AOR and it was processed and I received my BOWP.

Goodluck

 

[endlesstechno]

I have personally applied for BOWP in 2016 and I applied just with AOR and it was processed and I received my BOWP.

Goodluck

Thank you for your response.

Does that mean you answered 'yes' to the question, 'Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle (AIP) for permanent residence in Canada?'

And consequently uploaded your AOR as you Supporting Documentation?

Thanks again.

 

[manidhatt]

Thank you for your response.

Does that mean you answered 'yes' to the question, 'Have you been told by an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada office that you are approved in principle (AIP) for permanent residence in Canada?'

And consequently uploaded your AOR as you Supporting Documentation?

Thanks again.

Yes for both questions

 

[endlesstechno]

Yes for both questions

Appreciate your response, thank you very much.

 

[endlesstechno]

Yes for both questions

Sorry I also wanted to ask, as my work permit currently expires within 7 days, will I have any issue with the BOWP?

The website states, 'For any permit, you should always apply at least 30 days before your status expires.'

See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

However this appears to apply to Open Work Permits and not necessarily to Bridging Open Work Permits.

Do you have any information on this?

Thank you again.

 

[manidhatt]

Sorry I also wanted to ask, as my work permit currently expires within 7 days, will I have any issue with the BOWP?

The website states, 'For any permit, you should always apply at least 30 days before your status expires.'

See: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

However this appears to apply to Open Work Permits and not necessarily to Bridging Open Work Permits.

Do you have any information on this?

Thank you again.

30 days is recommended by IRCC but it is not necessary.

I applied for my pgwp the same day my study permit and off campus work permit were suppose to expire. Everything went well. As long as you mail (registered mail) your documents or apply online before midnight then you are good.

Again, it is not recommended to wait till the last moment but sometimes situation is not in your favor and you are left with no other option.

 

[endlesstechno]

30 days is recommended by IRCC but it is not necessary.

I applied for my pgwp the same day my study permit and off campus work permit were suppose to expire. Everything went well. As long as you mail (registered mail) your documents or apply online before midnight then you are good.

Again, it is not recommended to wait till the last moment but sometimes situation is not in your favor and you are left with no other option.

Incredible, thank you so much again for answering.

I have one last question: On the website in Guide 5553, it states, 'If you chose “Open work permit” or post-graduation work permit no information is required for question: 2,3,4,6,7,8.'

See here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

I just want to confirm, I have answered the questions as follows:

Q1. What type of work permit are you applying for?
A1. Open Work Permit

Q2. Details of my prospective employer (attach original offer of employment).
I will NOT attach a copy of my offer of employment to the supporting document.
Q2a. Name of Employer
A2a. N/A - Applying for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
Q2b. Complete Address of Employer?
A2b. N/A

Q3. Intended location of employment in Canada? Province, City/Town, Address
A3. Province: BC, City/Town: Vancouver, Address: N/A (I have listed the Province and City as the form does not allow blank spaces and there is no 'N/A' options from the drop down menu.

Q4. My occupation in Canada will be: Job Title, Brief description of duties.
A4. Job Title: N/A, Brief description of duties: N/A - Applying for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) (I am unable to write just N/A as the form requires more than 5 characters).

Q5. Duration of expected employment: From, To.
A5. From: 2019-10-20, To: 2020-10-18 (the form indicates the From value must be equal to or greater than today's date, and the To value is 1 day before my passport is due to expire - on the website it states work permits cannot extended past the date of passport expiry).

Q6. LMIA or LMIA exempt
A6. No (filled automatically by form).

Q7. If you have been issued a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, provide the:
A7. -Answer fields greyed out by form-

Q8. Have you been issued a certificate under the Provincial Nominee program?
A8. No.

Is this all correct?

I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me out <3 x

 

[endlesstechno]

30 days is recommended by IRCC but it is not necessary.

I applied for my pgwp the same day my study permit and off campus work permit were suppose to expire. Everything went well. As long as you mail (registered mail) your documents or apply online before midnight then you are good.

Again, it is not recommended to wait till the last moment but sometimes situation is not in your favor and you are left with no other option.

Sorry, one more...the documents request a UCI. I have one on my current work permit, and a new one generated by my PR application, I'm assuming I use the latter as it is more recent and linked to the application I am (technically) supplementing? Thanks again x

 

[manidhatt]

Incredible, thank you so much again for answering.

I have one last question: On the website in Guide 5553, it states, 'If you chose “Open work permit” or post-graduation work permit no information is required for question: 2,3,4,6,7,8.'

See here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

I just want to confirm, I have answered the questions as follows:

Q1. What type of work permit are you applying for?
A1. Open Work Permit

Q2. Details of my prospective employer (attach original offer of employment).
I will NOT attach a copy of my offer of employment to the supporting document.
Q2a. Name of Employer
A2a. N/A - Applying for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
Q2b. Complete Address of Employer?
A2b. N/A

Q3. Intended location of employment in Canada? Province, City/Town, Address
A3. Province: BC, City/Town: Vancouver, Address: N/A (I have listed the Province and City as the form does not allow blank spaces and there is no 'N/A' options from the drop down menu.

Q4. My occupation in Canada will be: Job Title, Brief description of duties.
A4. Job Title: N/A, Brief description of duties: N/A - Applying for Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) (I am unable to write just N/A as the form requires more than 5 characters).

Q5. Duration of expected employment: From, To.
A5. From: 2019-10-20, To: 2020-10-18 (the form indicates the From value must be equal to or greater than today's date, and the To value is 1 day before my passport is due to expire - on the website it states work permits cannot extended past the date of passport expiry).

Q6. LMIA or LMIA exempt
A6. No (filled automatically by form).

Q7. If you have been issued a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, provide the:
A7. -Answer fields greyed out by form-

Q8. Have you been issued a certificate under the Provincial Nominee program?
A8. No.

Is this all correct?

I truly appreciate you taking the time to help me out <3 x

All good here.

 

[manidhatt]

Sorry, one more...the documents request a UCI. I have one on my current work permit, and a new one generated by my PR application, I'm assuming I use the latter as it is more recent and linked to the application I am (technically) supplementing? Thanks again x

Your UCI will never change. It will be the same on all your permits and even your PR card when you get it. You are probably mentioning the EE profile number. UCI has xxxx-xxxx format and it should be on your permit. Please do not use any other number. Once a UCI has been issued to you it stays the same. That is how they identify you in their system.

 

[endlesstechno]

Your UCI will never change. It will be the same on all your permits and even your PR card when you get it. You are probably mentioning the EE profile number. UCI has xxxx-xxxx format and it should be on your permit. Please do not use any other number. Once a UCI has been issued to you it stays the same. That is how they identify you in their system.

I definitely have 2. My initial PR application was cancelled due to missing paperwork, that UCI was the same as the one on my current work permit. However, my current PR application has a separate UCI. There is clearly listed an Application Number (the EE number), and below it, a UCI with format CAN0000-XXXXXXXX. This number XXXXXXXX differs from the one on my current work permit.

 

[manidhatt]

I definitely have 2. My initial PR application was cancelled due to missing paperwork, that UCI was the same as the one on my current work permit. However, my current PR application has a separate UCI. There is clearly listed an Application Number (the EE number), and below it, a UCI with format CAN0000-XXXXXXXX. This number XXXXXXXX differs from the one on my current work permit.

Use the CAN format number for this application but once you get your PR and receive PR card you will find the original (permit) UCI on your card.

What happens is that once IRCC receives your bowp application they will check with your application number whether your express entry application is complete or not. If your application is complete and R10 is clear then they will process your application but if it is incomplete then your bowp will be refused.

If your R10 is not clear yet, then your bowp application will be on hold until you clear the R10 check.

Hope this helps

 

[endlesstechno]

Use the CAN format number for this application but once you get your PR and receive PR card you will find the original (permit) UCI on your card.

What happens is that once IRCC receives your bowp application they will check with your application number whether your express entry application is complete or not. If your application is complete and R10 is clear then they will process your application but if it is incomplete then your bowp will be refused.

If your R10 is not clear then your bowp application will be on hold until you clear the R10 check.

Hope this helps

Very helpful, thank you!

The last thing I'm struggling with is, in the Document Checklist, it states, 'If you are a participant in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, provide proof of health insurance covering the extension to your length of stay in Canada.'

I am currently on an IEC Work Permit, and although I am applying for PR under CEC, does this mean I need to provide proof that I have independent health insurance covering the period I wish to extend for?

I can't thank you enough for your help thus far x.

 

[manidhatt]

Very helpful, thank you!

The last thing I'm struggling with is, in the Document Checklist, it states, 'If you are a participant in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, provide proof of health insurance covering the extension to your length of stay in Canada.'

I am currently on an IEC Work Permit, and although I am applying for PR under CEC, does this mean I need to provide proof that I have independent health insurance covering the period I wish to extend for?

I can't thank you enough for your help thus far x.

To be safe I would recommend to attach the health insurance proof.