Bridging Work Permits Explained: Open vs. Closed and Common Pitfalls (2025)

Introduction

If you've applied for permanent residence in Canada and your temporary work permit is expiring, a bridging work permit can be your lifeline. This crucial immigration tool allows you to maintain legal work status while waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application. However, many applicants make a critical mistake: not understanding the difference between bridging open work permits and bridging closed work permits.

Choosing the wrong type of bridging work permit can lead to refusals, gaps in work authorization, and significant stress during your transition to permanent residence. This comprehensive guide will explain the differences, help you determine which type you need, and walk you through the application process to avoid common pitfalls. If your work permit is expiring and you're exploring options for your spouse, see our Spousal Open Work Permits in Canada (2025): Complete Guide to New Rules guide.

What Is a Bridging Work Permit?

A bridging work permit (BWP) is designed to "bridge" the gap between the expiry of your current work permit and the decision on your permanent residence application. The primary purpose is to allow you to continue working legally in Canada while your PR application is being processed.

Key Features of Bridging Work Permits

According to the official IRCC bridging open work permit page:

• Available to eligible applicants who have submitted a permanent residence application
• Requires an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for your PR application
• Usually valid until a decision is made on your permanent residence application
• Can be either "open" or "closed" depending on your specific circumstances
• Cannot be applied for until 4 months before your current work permit expires

Why Bridging Permits Matter

With processing times for permanent residence applications often taking 12+ months, bridging work permits are essential for maintaining continuous work authorization. Without one, you might face:

• Loss of legal work status
• Employment interruption
• Income disruption
• Potential complications with your PR application
• Issues with maintaining health insurance and other benefits

Open vs. Closed: The Critical Difference

The distinction between bridging open work permits (BOWPs) and bridging closed work permits (BCWPs) is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of this process—and getting it wrong can lead to application refusals.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

• Allows you to work for any employer in Canada
• Does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Gives you the flexibility to change jobs or employers
• Is generally available to most federal permanent residence applicants (Express Entry, spousal sponsorship, etc.)

Bridging Closed Work Permit (BCWP)

A Bridging Closed Work Permit, as outlined in IRCC's processing guidelines:

• Restricts you to working for a specific employer
• May require an employer-specific LMIA or exemption code
• Requires your employer to submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal
• Is typically required for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants with employment restrictions

The Fundamental Distinction

The key question is whether your permanent residence nomination or application includes a restriction on employment. If your pathway to permanent residence is tied to a specific employer, you likely need a BCWP rather than a BOWP.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a bridging work permit (either open or closed), you must:

1. Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under an eligible category
2. Have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) for your PR application
3. Currently hold a valid work permit that will expire in less than 4 months
4. Meet all other admissibility requirements (medical, criminal, etc.)

These requirements are outlined in the IRCC's bridging work permit guidelines.

Eligible Permanent Residence Categories

Bridging work permits are available to applicants in these categories:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (Express Entry)
• Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (Express Entry)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) as detailed on the provincial nominees page
• Atlantic Immigration Program
• Agri-Food Immigration Pilot
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class
• Some caregiver programs

For detailed information on Express Entry applications, see our Express Entry Complete Guide.

Ineligible Categories

Generally, bridging work permits are not available to:

• Temporary resident permit holders
• Refugee claimants
• Student permit holders without a valid work permit
• Visitors without work authorization

Which Type Do You Need?

Determining whether you need an open or closed bridging work permit is crucial. Here's how to decide:

You Likely Need a Bridging OPEN Work Permit If:

• You applied through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades) as detailed on the BOWP page
• You have no employment restrictions on your permanent residence application
• Your Provincial Nomination certificate specifically states "No" under "Restrictions on Employment"
• You are being sponsored as a spouse or common-law partner

Learn more about the latest Express Entry changes and requirements in our 2025 Express Entry Guide.

You Likely Need a Bridging CLOSED Work Permit If:

• Your Provincial Nomination certificate specifies "Yes" under "Restrictions on Employment"
• Your nomination is tied to a specific employer
• Your pathway to permanent residence requires you to maintain employment with a specific employer
• Your nomination letter explicitly states you must continue working for your current employer

These distinctions are based on IRCC's temporary residents processing guidelines.

How to Check Your PNP Certificate

For Provincial Nominee Program applicants, the key is to examine your nomination certificate carefully:

1. Look for a table or section that indicates "Restrictions on Employment"
2. Check whether it says "Yes" or "No"
3. If it says "Yes," look for details about which employer you must work for

This information is usually found on the first page of your nomination certificate, often in a table format. You can find more information about PNP requirements on the official Provincial Nominee Program page.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Many bridging work permit applications are refused due to preventable errors. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Applying for the Wrong Type of Bridging Work Permit

The Pitfall: Applying for a BOWP when you need a BCWP, or vice versa.

The Solution:

• Carefully review your nomination or approval documents
• Look specifically for employment restrictions
• Consult with an immigration professional if you're unsure
• Review the official bridging work permit criteria

For spousal work permit options if your work permit is expiring, see our Spousal Work Permits Guide.

2. Missing the Employer Portal Submission

The Pitfall: For closed work permits, failing to have your employer submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal.

The Solution:

• Coordinate with your employer well in advance
• Ensure they understand the Employer Portal requirements
• Obtain and include the offer of employment number on your application

3. Applying Too Early or Too Late

The Pitfall: Applying before you have your AOR or waiting until after your current work permit expires.

The Solution:

• Apply only after receiving your AOR
• Apply no earlier than 4 months before your current work permit expires
• Apply at least 30 days before your current work permit expires to benefit from implied status
• Follow the timing guidelines in the Work Permit Extension Guide

4. Incomplete Documentation

The Pitfall: Missing required supporting documents specific to your situation.

The Solution:

• Use the IRCC Document Checklist Tool
• Include proof of your PR application submission
• Include your AOR letter
• For BCWPs, include the offer of employment number from the Employer Portal

5. Not Obtaining Provincial R204(c) Support Letter

The Pitfall: For PNP applicants with employment restrictions, failing to obtain the required R204(c) letter from the province.

The Solution:

• Request this letter from your provincial nomination office
• Some provinces require a separate application and fee for this letter
• Allow sufficient time for the province to issue this document
• Refer to your provincial program's specific requirements as outlined on the PNP overview page

Application Process and Documentation

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility and Type

• Confirm you've submitted a complete PR application
• Verify you have received an AOR
• Determine whether you need a BOWP or BCWP based on employment restrictions
• Refer to the IRCC's bridging open work permit page for eligibility criteria

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

For all bridging work permits, following the official Work Permit Extension Guide:

• Complete form IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions or Extend Stay)
• Provide a copy of your AOR letter
• Include proof of current status in Canada
• Include your current work permit

Additional documents for BCWPs:

• Employer's offer of employment number from the Employer Portal
• Provincial R204(c) support letter (for applicable PNP candidates)
• Letter from your employer confirming your continued employment

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Applications are submitted online through your IRCC secure account
• Pay the applicable fees ($155 for the work permit, plus $100 for the open work permit holder fee if applying for a BOWP)
• Ensure all documents are properly formatted and under the size limit
• Use the IRCC Document Checklist Tool to verify you've included all required documents

Step 4: Monitor Your Application

• Check status updates through your IRCC account
• Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
• Do not make travel plans that require your passport during processing

Timeline Considerations

When to Apply

• Earliest: 4 months before your current work permit expires
• Latest: Before your current permit expires (ideally at least 30-60 days before)
• Optimal: Early enough to benefit from implied status, but not too early that your application is returned

If you're considering Express Entry alongside your bridging work permit, review our Express Entry Guide for important timeline considerations.

Processing Times

As of February 2025, processing times for bridging work permits are approximately:

• 4-6 months for online applications
• Longer for paper applications (which should be avoided if possible)

Implied Status

If you apply before your current work permit expires:

• You can continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made on your bridging work permit
• You must remain in Canada for implied status to remain valid
• If you leave Canada while on implied status, you may not be able to re-enter with work authorization

What to Do If Your Application Is Refused

If your bridging work permit application is refused:

1. Understand the Reason

• Carefully review the refusal letter
• Identify the specific reason(s) for refusal
• Determine if it was due to applying for the wrong permit type, missing documents, or other issues

2. Consider Your Options

• Apply for restoration of status (if within 90 days of work permit expiry)
• Submit a new bridging work permit application addressing the issues
• Apply to change status to visitor if eligible
• Consult with an immigration professional for guidance

3. Learn from Common Refusal Reasons

• Wrong type of bridging work permit for your situation
• Missing or incomplete documentation
• Employer Portal offer not properly submitted
• Provincial support letter not included
• Concerns about the genuineness of your PR application

Special Considerations for PNP Applicants

Provincial Nominee Program applicants face unique considerations:

Provincial Differences

Different provinces have varying requirements as detailed on the Provincial Nominee Program overview page:

• Requirements for the R204(c) support letter
• Processes for requesting the letter
• Fees associated with the letter request
• Timelines for issuing the letter

Employer Changes

If you're nominated through a PNP and want to change employers:

• You generally must get approval from the province first
• The province may need to issue a new nomination certificate
• Your new employer must qualify under provincial criteria
• Changing employers without provincial approval could invalidate your nomination

This is especially critical for PNP applicants with employment restrictions who require a bridging closed work permit. The IRCC operational manual provides guidance on how these restrictions are assessed by officers.

Nomination Withdrawals

Be aware that provinces can withdraw nominations if:

• You no longer meet the conditions of nomination
• You change employers without approval
• You move out of the province
• There are concerns about misrepresentation

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Specific Scenarios

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between bridging open and closed work permits is essential for maintaining your legal status while transitioning to permanent residence in Canada. By carefully examining your permanent residence pathway, understanding the requirements specific to your situation, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can navigate this process successfully.

Remember that bridging work permits are designed to maintain your status during the PR processing period—they're a temporary solution to a temporary situation as you progress toward your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.

If you're unsure which type of bridging work permit you need or have questions about your specific situation, it's always best to consult with a qualified immigration professional who can provide personalized guidance. Also explore our guides on Spousal Work Permits and Express Entry for related immigration pathways.

References and Resources

1. Bridging Open Work Permit Program Page - Official information on BOWP eligibility and application procedures
2. Temporary Residents: Applications Manual - IRCC's guidelines for processing bridging permits
3. Employer Portal Guide - Instructions for employers submitting offers for closed work permits
4. Provincial Nominee Program Overview - Information on PNP-specific bridging requirements
5. Work Permit Extension Guide - Step-by-step application process and form instructions
6. IRCC Document Checklist Tool - Customizable checklists for both BOWP and BCWP applications