Bridging Open Work Permits vs Bridging Closed Work Permits in Canada (2025): What You Need to Know
At Lawseph & Associates Inc., we specialize in helping clients navigate the complex Canadian immigration process through our RCIC full application processing system. One of the most important steps for many individuals who have applied for Permanent Residency (PR) is applying for a Bridging Work Permit. In 2025, these permits come in two main forms: the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and the Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP). Understanding the difference between the two is critical in ensuring you maintain legal work status in Canada while waiting for your PR application decision.
What is a Bridging Work Permit?
A Bridging Work Permit (BWP) is a temporary work permit that allows you to continue working in Canada while your PR application is in process. It is specifically designed for applicants who have already submitted a complete PR application that has passed the initial completeness check (R10). This permit is not a shortcut to PR, but rather a practical tool that bridges the gap between your current status and your final PR approval.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Eligibility: Available to applicants in programs such as Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FST), some PNP applicants without employer restrictions, and applicants under certain federal programs.
- Work Authorization: An open work permit, meaning you can work for any employer in Canada (with limited exceptions).
- Best For: Applicants who want flexibility to change employers or industries while their PR application is pending.
Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP)
- Eligibility: Required for employer-restricted PNP nominations where a specific employer and job offer are tied to the nomination.
- Work Authorization: A closed work permit, restricted to the employer listed in the PNP nomination and the job offer submitted via the Employer Portal.
- Best For: Applicants with provincial nominations tied to a specific employer, ensuring continued employment in that role until PR approval.
Comparative Analysis: Open vs Closed
| Factor | Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Flexibility | Work for any employer in Canada | Restricted to one employer/job |
| Eligibility | Express Entry, certain PNPs, federal programs | Employer-restricted PNP nominees |
| Application Stage | PR application submitted & passed R10 check | Same as BOWP, but employer portal compliance required |
| Risk of Job Change | Minimal risk – you can switch employers | High risk – changing jobs may affect nomination & PR |
Processing Times & Costs
In 2025, typical waiting times for a Bridging Work Permit are approximately 3 to 5 months. This is slightly shorter than many temporary work permit applications, as BWPs are tied to ongoing PR files. However, applicants must be prepared for normal delays as part of the PR lifecycle.
Government Fees:
- Work Permit Processing Fee: CAD $155
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee (if applicable): CAD $100
Typical Immigration Consultant Fees (Lawseph Example):
- File Review & RCIC Submission Letter: CAD $250
- Application Preparation & Portal Submission: CAD $500
- Case Management & Follow-Up with IRCC: CAD $250
- Total Consultant Fee: CAD $1,000
Case Study: A Fictional Client
Consider Alejandro, a 30-year-old software engineer in Toronto who applied for Permanent Residence through the Express Entry Canadian Experience Class (CEC). His work permit was set to expire within six months, but his PR application had already passed the R10 completeness check.
Alejandro came to Lawseph & Associates for guidance. After our RCIC assessment, we confirmed he was eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit. Our team prepared his complete application, drafted a professional submission letter, and submitted his file to IRCC on his behalf. Within four months, Alejandro received his BOWP, allowing him to continue working without interruption while waiting for his PR. Today, Alejandro is a permanent resident of Canada, and his smooth journey demonstrates the value of professional representation.
FAQ: Bridging Work Permits in Canada
Q1: When should I apply for a Bridging Work Permit?
You can apply once your Permanent Residence application has been submitted and passed the R10 completeness check. Applying too early will result in refusal.
Q2: Can I switch employers on a Bridging Closed Work Permit?
No. A BCWP is tied to one employer. Changing jobs may jeopardize your nomination and your PR application.
Q3: What happens if my PR application is refused while I’m on a BOWP?
Your BOWP will no longer be valid once your PR application is refused, and you will need to apply for a new status to remain in Canada legally.
Q4: Can I include my spouse or dependents on my Bridging Work Permit application?
Yes. Spouses and dependents may apply for accompanying work or study permits, depending on the principal applicant’s permit type and employment status.
Q5: How do processing times for Bridging Work Permits compare to regular work permits?
Bridging Work Permits typically process faster (3–5 months) than many LMIA-based or employer-specific permits, since they are connected to PR files already in process.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) — Document Requirements (Ontario, Sept 2025)
Use this checklist when applying online in your IRCC account. Ontario applicants follow federal rules (intend to live outside Québec).
A. Core Documents (all BOWP applicants)
- Completed forms: Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker (IMM 5710).
- Fees receipt: Work Permit processing fee and Open Work Permit holder fee (both paid online).
- Passport: Clear scans of the bio page and all stamped/marked pages; validity should extend past the requested BOWP end date.
- Digital photo: Meets IRCC photo specifications for online work permit applications.
- Current status proof in Canada: Copy of your valid work permit, or proof you applied to extend before expiry (maintained status), or proof you’re eligible to restore worker status.
- IRCC personalized document checklist: Downloaded/generated inside your online application and satisfied by uploads.
- Letter of explanation (optional but recommended): Clarify you are applying for a Bridging Open Work Permit while your PR is in process; list attached stream-specific proofs below.
B. Stream-Specific Proof (attach the one that matches your PR pathway)
Upload these in the “Client information” field if a specific slot isn’t provided.
- Express Entry (FSW/CEC/FST): Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter showing your complete PR application passed the completeness check.
- Provincial Nominee Program — Express Entry: Nomination certificate/letter (no employment restrictions) and your PR AOR.
- Provincial Nominee Program — non-Express Entry: Nomination certificate/letter (no employment restrictions) and the AOR you received after submitting your paper/portal PNP PR application.
- Quebec Skilled Worker: Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and IRCC letter showing your PR application number (starts with “E”).
- Caregiver Pilots (HCCP/HSW): Approval-in-Principle letter for PR (and proof of 6 months qualifying work experience if requested by your checklist).
- Agri-Food Pilot: Approval-in-Principle letter for PR.
- Legacy Caregiver classes (Caring for Children / High Medical Needs, closed 2019): Approval-in-Principle letter and proof your PR was submitted before June 18, 2019.
C. Helpful Ontario-Specific Notes
- BOWP is federal; living in Ontario is fine as long as you intend to live outside Québec for non-Quebec streams.
- OINP nominees must show the nomination letter has no employment restrictions to be eligible for an open (not employer-specific) bridge.
D. Upload Tips
- Combine multi-page items (passport pages, nomination + AOR) into a single PDF where needed; place extras under “Client information”.
- Match file names to checklist items (e.g., “AOR_YYYY-MM-DD.pdf”, “OINP_Nomination_NoRestrictions.pdf”).
- If your passport expires soon, renew first—IRCC won’t issue a work permit past passport expiry.
E. Quick Eligibility Reminders (for context)
- You must be in Canada, be the principal PR applicant, and have a complete PR application that passed the completeness check (AOR on file).
- Status: valid worker, maintained status after timely extension, or eligible to restore to worker status.
- Select “Open work permit” and pay both the work permit fee and the open-permit holder fee during submission.
Disclaimer: Your IRCC account generates a personalized checklist; always follow it if it asks for additional items (e.g., medical exam, police certificate, marriage/birth certificates for dependants).
Further Reading
- IRCC: Bridging Open Work Permit Program Delivery Instructions
- IRCC: Employer-Specific Work Permits
- IRCC Help Centre: Who can apply for a BOWP?
- Canadian Bar Association: Work Permits and PR Pathways
- Settlement.org: Bridging Open Work Permits Explained
Why Choose Lawseph & Associates?
Applying for a Bridging Work Permit may seem straightforward, but small errors can cause costly delays or refusals. At Lawseph, our RCIC full application processing system ensures that your application is complete, consistent, and compliant with immigration law. Our mission is to reduce the risk of refusal and help you transition to Permanent Residency without unnecessary stress.
Apply for Your BOWP with Expert Guidance
