blch said:
Hello everyone,
This is a great news to find out.
however, I have certain questions if anyone can help would be appreciate.
Base on the requirement of BOWP,
1)The foreign national is currently in Canada;
2)They have valid status on a WP that is due to expire within 4 months;
3)They have received a positive eligibility decision on their PR application under one of the Economic Class programs above; and
4)They have made application for an open WP.
I'm currently working in Canada. I'm holding PGWP which I think it's open WP.
my PGWP is going to expire in June 15. That fit in "within 4 months"
However, I'm not sure the third one for myself.
I have applied CEC and I checked in CIC. It shows they received my application on Nov 22.
I also received a email from CIO that gave me my UCI and application number on Jan 21.
I'm not sure this is AOR or not. if not, Do I have to wait til I get AOR then apply this BOWP?
I would like to check with you guys again that.. once I applied BOWP before my PGWP expire, I'm legally continue to work right?
Thank you so much for the help.
Hi Blch,
The letter you received on January 21 is actually an AOR. If you check that email again, I am sure you will find the words "Acknowledgement of Receipt". This means, your application is good to go ahead in the process and as per the criteria mentioned on CIC website for BOWP - an AOR is all you need (among the other criterias).
And yes, PGWP is an open work permit as well, as you can literally switch employers without requiring new LMO process. So now when you will apply for BOWP, you will be applying to extend your current open work permit (which is the condition no.4). But on second page of the application, you can mention BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT, just to be 100% clear to the visa officer.
Your last concern that while you have applied for BOWP, if your WP expires, are you still eligible to work. Basically meaning, once you applied for BOWP - are you under implied status. I'm not sure about that. I will leave for seniors to comment on that - and you can double check this with CIC call center as well.
Though I'd say that you may not need to be concerned about it. Considering if you are applying this week, and if you apply online which is quicker, it would take at most 60 days. I'm guessing your BOWP would be in your hand before your current wp expires in June 15 (which is 3 months away).
All the best.