Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) & Bridging Closed Work Permits in Canada

For many foreign workers in Canada, maintaining valid work authorization while transitioning to permanent residency is a crucial concern. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes this need and offers a pathway known as the Bridging Work Permit (BWP).

The Bridging Work Permit allows eligible applicants for permanent residency to continue working legally in Canada while their permanent residence (PR) application is being processed. There are two main types: the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and the Bridging Closed Work Permit (sometimes called Employer-Specific BWP).

Understanding the differences between these two permits, the eligibility requirements, and the application process is essential for anyone hoping to transition smoothly to permanent residency without interruptions in work status.

What Is a Bridging Work Permit?

A Bridging Work Permit is a special type of work permit available to foreign nationals in Canada who:

• Currently holds a valid work permit.
• Have applied for permanent residence under an eligible program.
• Need to extend their work authorization while awaiting a decision.

Without this option, many workers would risk gaps in employment authorization, forcing them to stop working until their PR is finalized.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit is an open work permit, meaning you can work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or job-specific authorization.

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify for a BOWP if you:

• Are currently in Canada.
• Hold a valid work permit expiring within four months.
• Have applied for permanent residence under one of the eligible economic classes:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP – in some cases)
5. Agri-Food Pilot
6. Quebec skilled worker applicants (with certain conditions)

• Have received confirmation from IRCC that your PR application is complete (Acknowledgment of Receipt).

Key Advantages of a BOWP

1. Flexibility: You can work for any employer across Canada (except those on the ineligible employers list).
2. Mobility: No restrictions to a specific employer or province.
3. Pathway Security: Keeps you legally employed while awaiting PR, often a process that can take many months.

Bridging Closed Work Permit (Employer-Specific BWP)

A Bridging Closed Work Permit is an employer-specific work permit. Unlike the BOWP, it ties you to one employer, location, or occupation while you wait for your permanent residency application to be processed.

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify for a closed BWP if you:

• Are a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicant with a job offer from a specific employer in a province or territory.
• Have an employer who has supported your PR application.
• Require a permit that aligns with your nomination conditions (e.g., must remain employed with the sponsoring employer until PR is finalized).

Key Differences from BOWP

Employer-Specific: You must work only for the employer named on the permit.

Location-Based: In some cases, you may be restricted to a province or specific region.

PNP-Dependent: Typically issued to those nominated through a PNP stream that requires ongoing employment.

Comparing BOWP vs. Bridging Closed WP

Feature	Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)	Bridging Closed Work Permit (Employer-Specific)
Work flexibility	Can work for any employer	Restricted to one employer
LMIA requirement	Not required	Not required (but tied to PNP job offer)
Mobility	Across Canada	Province- or employer-specific
Eligibility	Federal economic class PR streams	PNP applicants with employer restrictions
Best suited for	Workers who want flexibility	Workers tied to PNP nomination/employer

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

1. Confusing BOWP with a Regular Open Work Permit
   Not every open work permit is a BOWP. You must have a PR application in process to qualify.
2. Applying Too Early
   You can only apply if your current work permit is valid and within four months of expiry. Submitting before that may lead to rejection.
3. Not Submitting PR Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)
   IRCC must confirm your PR application is complete. Without the AOR, your BOWP application will be refused.
4. Choosing the Wrong Category
   Many PNP nominees mistakenly apply for an open BOWP when their nomination conditions require a closed, employer-specific permit.
5. Failing to Maintain Status
   If your work permit expires before you apply for a BWP, you may fall out of status and need to apply for restoration.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm PR Application Status

Ensure you have an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC for your permanent residence application.

Step 2: Determine Which BWP Applies

If applying under FSWP, CEC, FSTP, Agri-Food Pilot, or certain PNPs, a BOWP may apply.

If nominated under a PNP with employer restrictions, you likely need a closed BWP.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Copy of your current work permit.

PR AOR letter.

Proof of employment (for closed permits).

Completed forms and applicable fees.

Step 4: Submit Application Online

Apply through your IRCC account, pay the work permit fee, and wait for processing.

Step 5: Maintain Legal Status

If your current permit expires while awaiting a decision, you may benefit from implied status, allowing you to keep working under the same conditions until IRCC decides.

Processing Times

Bridging work permits generally take 2 to 4 months to process, depending on workload and application volume. However, times can vary. Applying early (within four months of expiry) ensures continuity of status.

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Bridging work permits sounds straightforward, but errors are common. A lawyer can help you:

• Determine whether you qualify for an open or closed bridging permit.
• Ensure your PR application and BWP application align correctly.
• Avoid refusals due to missing documents or incorrect timing.
• Guide employers supporting closed BWPs through compliance requirements.
• Assist if your application has been refused or delayed.

Given that losing work authorization can jeopardize both your employment and your PR application, professional guidance is often invaluable.

Conclusion

For many workers, a Bridging Work Permit is the key to staying employed in Canada while awaiting permanent residency. The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) offers flexibility for those under federal programs, while the Bridging Closed Work Permit ensures PNP nominees can continue working with their sponsoring employers.

The right choice depends on your PR stream, job situation, and eligibility. Avoiding mistakes and applying correctly can make the difference between uninterrupted work and unnecessary complications.

If you are unsure which bridging work permit is right for you, or if you’ve encountered challenges with your application, Immigrationway can help. Contact our immigration lawyer in Toronto today for expert advice tailored to your unique case.