Quick Tips to Apply for BOWP in 2015

[Nick666]

Here are some quick tips to help you apply for bridging open work permit with less searching for answers:

1) How to fill the online questionnaire for BOWP so you can get proper checklist at the end?
- Go to CIC extension of work permit page, and then click apply online.

In questionnaire:
- "How long are you planning to stay in Canada?"
Answer "More than 6 months".

- “Does one of the following apply to you? ...I applied for permanent residence to an office in-Canada and was determined to be eligible for permanent resident status (first stage approval).”
Answer “yes” to the following question if you already applied for PR in Canada and received AOR.
If you answer “No” (e.g. you applied to an office outside Canada), next question will be again about your PR. “Have you applied... have you been approved in principle...”

2) How to answer the questions about "Details of intended work in Canada" for BOWP in form IMM5710E:
- Choose open work permit for question 1, and leave questions 2 to 6 blank. You may also write “Not applicable, Bridging Open Work Permit” in question 2.

You can find this in FAQ of CIC's website:

Question) Are there different applications for regular and open work permits?
Answer) No, you can use the same application form for either type of work permit.
If you apply for an open work permit, you can leave questions 2 to 6 of the “Details of intended work in Canada” section blank

3) Document number in “coming to Canada” section for work permit is the black number under the big red number on top right corner.

4) Explanation letter in online application:
- write details of your permanent residence application, and request extension of your open work permit. For paper applications, you must write “Open work permit extension” on the envelope.
- Attach explanation letter, AOR email, a copy of your current work permit, and any other proof to one MS word or PDF file.

5) New applicants should pay two fees for BOWP.

6) how many times I can extend my BOWP?

Refer to this CIC FAQ:

"The open WP is to be valid for the duration of one year from the date of issuance. Although the PR application should normally be finalized within a year, subsequent requests from applicants to extend their stay on an open WP will be considered on a case-by-case basis."