Bridging Open Work Permit vs LOS Work Permit in Canada: Which Option Is Better in 2026?

For many temporary foreign workers in Canada, maintaining legal work status while waiting for permanent residence approval is one of the biggest concerns. Fortunately, Canada offers several work permit options to help eligible applicants continue working during their immigration journey. Two important pathways are the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and the Letter of Support (LOS)-based Closed Work Permit, often issued through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Although both permits help foreign nationals remain employed in Canada while transitioning toward permanent residency, they are very different in terms of eligibility, flexibility, employer restrictions, and long-term benefits. Understanding the differences between these work permits is essential because choosing the wrong option could affect your job opportunities, legal status, and immigration plans.

This article explains everything you need to know about the Bridging Open Work Permit in Canada and compares it with a Letter of Support-based closed work permit, helping you understand which option may work best for your immigration situation in 2026.

What Is a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)?

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a temporary work permit that allows eligible foreign workers in Canada to continue working while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.

The main purpose of a BOWP is to “bridge” the gap between the expiry of an existing work permit and the final decision on permanent residency. Without this option, many applicants could lose their legal authorization to work in Canada before receiving permanent residence approval.

Unlike employer-specific permits, a Bridging Open Work Permit is an open work permit, meaning the worker is generally free to work for most employers in Canada without being tied to one company or position.

Who Can Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?

To qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit, applicants must usually meet specific requirements, including:

• Be physically present in Canada
• Hold valid temporary resident status
• Have an expiring work permit
• Submit a permanent residence application under an eligible immigration stream
• Receive an acknowledgement that the PR application has passed completeness checks

Eligible permanent residence pathways often include:

• Express Entry programs such as:
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (for certain streams)
• Selected federal permanent residence pathways

Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants can apply for a BOWP to continue working legally while waiting for their final immigration decision.

Key Benefits of a Bridging Open Work Permit

One of the biggest advantages of a Bridging Open Work Permit is flexibility.

Because it is an open work permit, workers are not tied to one employer. This means they may:

Change Employers Freely

If a better job opportunity becomes available, BOWP holders can often switch employers without needing a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or another work permit application.

This flexibility is especially helpful for workers dealing with layoffs, toxic workplaces, reduced hours, or better-paying employment opportunities.

Work in Different Occupations

In many situations, workers are not restricted to one occupation or job title. This creates more employment freedom and financial stability.

Reduce Dependence on Employer Sponsorship

With employer-specific permits, workers often depend heavily on their employer to maintain legal status. A BOWP reduces this dependency because the permit is generally not tied to one employer.

Maintain Continuous Legal Status

The permit helps eligible workers remain employed while waiting for permanent residence processing, preventing interruptions in work authorization.

What Is a Letter of Support (LOS)-Based Closed Work Permit?

A Letter of Support (LOS)-based closed work permit is commonly issued through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This type of permit allows nominated applicants to continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed.

In many provinces, once an applicant receives a provincial nomination, the province may issue a Letter of Support. This document allows the individual to apply for an employer-specific work permit.

Unlike a Bridging Open Work Permit, this work permit is usually closed, meaning the applicant can only work for a specific employer named on the permit.

The Letter of Support is designed to help provinces retain skilled workers who are already contributing to the local labour market and economy.

How Does an LOS-Based Closed Work Permit Work?

When a province nominates a foreign worker under a Provincial Nominee Program, it may issue a work permit support letter if the applicant needs to extend their legal work status before receiving permanent residence approval.

The applicant can use this support letter to apply for an employer-specific work permit.

This permit often includes restrictions such as:

• Employer name
• Job title
• Province of employment
• Work location
• Employment conditions

In most cases, workers cannot freely switch employers unless they obtain a new permit or provincial authorization.

Advantages of an LOS-Based Closed Work Permit

Although less flexible than a BOWP, a Letter of Support-based work permit still provides important advantages.

Continued Employment While Waiting for PR

The permit allows workers to remain employed legally while permanent residence processing continues.

Strong Provincial Immigration Support

Receiving a provincial nomination generally signals that the province supports the applicant’s long-term immigration plan.

This can increase confidence in the applicant’s immigration pathway.

Helpful for Workers Without BOWP Eligibility

Some foreign workers may not qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit because of their immigration stream or application stage. In these situations, an LOS-based permit can be extremely valuable.

Labour Market Stability

Employers benefit because they can retain skilled workers during lengthy permanent residence processing periods.

Major Difference: Open vs Closed Work Permit

The most important distinction between these permits is employment flexibility.

Bridging Open Work Permit

A BOWP is generally an open permit, which means:

• No employer restrictions
• Freedom to change jobs
• Better employment flexibility
• Reduced dependence on employer sponsorship

LOS-Based Closed Work Permit

An LOS permit is usually employer-specific, meaning:

• Work is restricted to one employer
• Job changes may require approval
• New permits may be needed
• Greater dependency on employer support

For workers seeking employment freedom, the BOWP often offers a major advantage.

Eligibility Differences Between BOWP and LOS Work Permits

Another major difference is eligibility.

BOWP Eligibility

A Bridging Open Work Permit is available only after meeting certain permanent residence milestones.

Applicants usually need:

• A qualifying permanent residence application
• Confirmation that the application passed completeness checks
• Valid temporary status in Canada

Without an eligible PR application, workers generally cannot qualify for a BOWP.

LOS Eligibility

A Letter of Support-based permit depends heavily on provincial nomination.

Applicants typically need:

• A provincial nomination certificate
• A provincial support letter
• A qualifying employer relationship
• Eligibility under the province’s immigration stream

Each province may have different rules and requirements.

Processing Considerations in 2026

Canadian immigration processing times continue to evolve, and many workers experience delays in permanent residence decisions.

Because of these delays, temporary work permit extensions remain highly important.

A Bridging Open Work Permit is often preferred by applicants already progressing through permanent residence because it offers greater work flexibility during long processing periods.

However, workers who do not qualify for a BOWP may rely on provincial support letters to maintain status and employment.

In practice, many provincial nominees initially receive an LOS-based work permit and later transition to a Bridging Open Work Permit if eligible.

Risks and Limitations of Each Option

Limitations of a Bridging Open Work Permit

Although flexible, a BOWP is not available to everyone.

Common challenges include:

• Strict eligibility rules
• Dependence on PR application stage
• Possible refusal if PR eligibility changes
• Temporary validity

Applicants must carefully monitor their immigration status and permit expiry dates.

Limitations of an LOS-Based Closed Work Permit

The biggest drawback is reduced employment flexibility.

Workers may face difficulties if:

• The employer closes the business
• Layoffs happen
• Workplace issues arise
• Better opportunities become available

Changing employers may require new immigration approvals, creating delays and uncertainty.

This employer dependency can place workers in vulnerable situations.

Which Work Permit Is Better?

The answer depends on your immigration situation.

A Bridging Open Work Permit May Be Better If:

• You qualify through a permanent residence pathway
• You want flexibility to switch employers
• You want stronger employment freedom
• You are worried about layoffs or workplace instability

For many applicants, a BOWP is the preferred option because it provides independence and flexibility.

An LOS-Based Closed Work Permit May Be Better If:

• You are nominated through a PNP
• You are not yet eligible for a BOWP
• Your province offers strong support
• You have a stable long-term employer

This permit can act as an important temporary solution while waiting for permanent residence approval.

Real-Life Example Comparison

Imagine two workers in Alberta.

Worker A applied for permanent residence through Express Entry and qualifies for a Bridging Open Work Permit. Their employer suddenly reduces work hours. Since the worker holds an open permit, they can quickly switch jobs and continue earning income.

Worker B received a provincial nomination and a Letter of Support-based closed work permit. If their employer stops operations, they may not immediately work elsewhere because their permit is tied to one employer.

This example highlights why many workers prefer open permits when eligible.

Can You Move from an LOS Work Permit to a BOWP?

Yes, in some situations.

A worker initially holding a provincial nomination work permit may later become eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit after meeting permanent residence requirements.

This transition can provide greater flexibility and reduce reliance on a single employer.

However, eligibility rules vary depending on the immigration stream and application type.

Professional guidance is often helpful when planning such transitions.

Both the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) and the LOS-based closed work permit play important roles in Canada’s immigration system. They help foreign workers maintain legal status and continue working while waiting for permanent residence approval.

However, the two permits serve different purposes.

A Bridging Open Work Permit provides more flexibility, allowing workers to move between employers and explore better opportunities without major restrictions. For many eligible applicants, it is the stronger long-term option.

On the other hand, a Letter of Support-based closed work permit remains an important pathway for Provincial Nominee Program applicants who need continued authorization to work but may not yet qualify for a BOWP.

Choosing between the two depends on your immigration stream, eligibility, employer relationship, and long-term career plans in Canada.

Before applying, it is always important to understand the rules of your immigration pathway and ensure your status remains valid. A small mistake in timing or eligibility could affect both your work authorization and permanent residence plans.

For workers planning their future in Canada, understanding the difference between these permits can make the immigration journey smoother, safer, and more successful.