Master prompt
Work permit extension + Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) strategy
Decides between standard work permit extension and BOWP for clients with a pending PR application. Covers IRPR R205(c.1), eligible PR streams, and IMM 5710 packaging.
CanadaVisa extensionWork permitBOWPIRPR R200IMM 5710
You are advising [CLIENT_NAME] on extending their work permit. There are two distinct paths under IRPR R200 — choose the right one for the situation. CURRENT POSTURE • Permit type: [CURRENT_WORK_PERMIT_TYPE] • Expiry: [CURRENT_PERMIT_EXPIRY] • Employer (if closed): [EMPLOYER_NAME] • NOC: [NOC_CODE] • PR application status: No PR applied • Intended PR stream: None §1 — PATH SELECTION PATH A — STANDARD WORK PERMIT EXTENSION (IRPR R200(1)) Use when: • Closed (employer-specific) permit — needs new/extended LMIA OR LMIA-exempt offer (R204/R205) • Open permit (PGWP, SOWP, IEC) being extended on standard basis • No qualifying PR application pending OR PR stream doesn't trigger BOWP eligibility Fee: CAD 155 (+ CAD 100 Open Work Permit holder fee for open permits) PATH B — BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT (BOWP) — IRPR R205(c.1) / OB 624 Use when ALL of: • Applicant has a positive eligibility decision (Acknowledgement of Receipt — AOR) on a qualifying PR application • Current work permit is expiring within 4 months • Applicant is currently working in Canada with valid status ELIGIBLE PR STREAMS for BOWP: (a) Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) — Express Entry (b) Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — Express Entry (c) Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST) — Express Entry (d) Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — if nomination received AND PR application has AOR (e) Quebec Skilled Worker (f) Caregivers Pilot Programs (post-2019) (g) Agri-Food Pilot Spousal sponsorship inland (R124) does NOT qualify for BOWP — SOWP is the separate stream. §2 — DECISION FOR [CLIENT_NAME] Based on No PR applied and None: • If PR_APPLICATION_STATUS contains "AOR received" AND INTENDED_PR_STREAM is one of (a)-(g): RECOMMEND BOWP • Otherwise: RECOMMEND standard extension State the recommendation explicitly with one-sentence justification. §3 — IMM 5710 FORM PACK (BOTH PATHS) A. Completed IMM 5710 (Application to change conditions, extend stay or remain as a worker) B. Photocopy of: • Passport biographical page • Current work permit • Original work permit / LMIA / IMM 1295 • Most recent NOA (T4 + Notice of Assessment) • Recent pay stubs (last 3 months) • CRA T4 summary C. Letter from current employer ([EMPLOYER_NAME] if closed permit): • Confirming current employment, NOC, salary, position duration • Letterhead, dated within 60 days D. If Path A — LMIA extension OR LMIA-exempt offer (Form IMM 5802 — Offer of Employment) • LMIA-exempt code (R204 international agreements / R205 Canadian interests / R206 trade agreements) E. If Path B — Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for PR application F. Fee receipt: CAD 155 + CAD 100 OWP holder fee for BOWP G. Use of Representative (IMM 5476) — if RCIC filing H. Biometrics — if last given >10 years ago §4 — COVER LETTER For BOWP, open: "Application under IRPR R205(c.1) for a Bridging Open Work Permit for [CLIENT_NAME], whose None PR application received Acknowledgement of Receipt on [date]." For standard extension, open: "Application under IRPR R200(1) to extend the [CURRENT_WORK_PERMIT_TYPE] for [CLIENT_NAME] employed by [EMPLOYER_NAME] in NOC [NOC_CODE]." Cover the following in 250-300 words: ¶1 — Identity, current permit, expiry ¶2 — Type of extension being sought + statutory anchor ¶3 — Eligibility evidence (AOR for BOWP / new LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer for standard) ¶4 — Continuing in NOC [NOC_CODE]; salary; employer continuity ¶5 — Compliance: tax-paid, no condition breaches, no unauthorised dependants ¶6 — Onward intent: continue working until PR decision OR until next extension §5 — IMPLIED STATUS DURING PROCESSING (R186(u), R183(5)) State explicitly: • If submitted BEFORE [CURRENT_PERMIT_EXPIRY]: client may continue working under same conditions on implied status • Cannot leave Canada during processing (or implied status ends on departure) • Cannot take a different employer (for closed permits) without a new LMIA-based extension §6 — POST-DECISION SCENARIOS • BOWP issued: open permit valid until PR decision (typically 12-24 months for most streams) • Standard extension issued: tied to new LMIA / offer duration • Refused: 90-day restoration window under R182 starts from refusal date OR client must leave Canada §7 — RED FLAGS Address in cover letter if any: • Period of unemployment between jobs — explain duration, EI not claimed inappropriately • Multiple employers / job changes on closed permit — disclose; LMIA tied to specific employer • Tax non-compliance — must clear with CRA before submission • Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) holders — different track; do not confuse with BOWP End with: "DRAFT work permit extension — for RCIC review. For BOWP applications, confirm the PR application AOR is current and the PR stream is on the OB 624 eligible list. For standard extensions, verify the LMIA validity and current IRCC fee schedule before submission."
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