Stay in Canada After PGWP Expires
How to Stay In Canada after Your PGWP Expires?
In the year 2022, 98,000 individuals holding Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) obtained permanent residency in Canada — constituting nearly 82% of all individuals with temporary residency status. Furthermore, in 2023, 62,410 PGWP holders transitioned to permanent residency in Canada.
Numerous global scholars, after finishing their academic pursuits, opt to pursue a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), authorizing them to work within Canada for a maximum duration of three years. Given that extensions for work permits are subject to specific conditions, alternative pathways exist for converting your temporary visa status into a permanent one.
6 Options for PGWP Holders to Remain in Canada after PGWP Expires
Option 1: Pursue Permanent Residence
You have the opportunity to secure permanent residency in Canada by applying through either the Canadian Experience Class within Express Entry, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or by obtaining PR status in one of the four Atlantic provinces through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The optimal pathway to stay in Canada as your work permit nears expiration is by applying for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), one of the streams managed within Express Entry. To be eligible for CEC, you must possess at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.
Additionally, you must meet other eligibility criteria for Canadian PR, including language proficiency. Apply for CEC only if you intend to reside anywhere except Quebec.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Numerous PNPs provide opportunities for international graduates to settle within their respective provinces. Provinces offer ‘enhanced’ PNPs that align with the Express Entry system. If nominated through an enhanced PNP, you gain an additional 600 points toward your Express Entry profile, heightening your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.
If you lack work experience in an occupation eligible for Express Entry, don’t fret; there are several PNP options to explore. Moreover, many provinces offer ‘base’ PNPs, allowing individuals with work experience in NOC skill types 0, 1, 2, and 3 to seek nomination.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you’ve completed your studies at a post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada, consider applying for Canadian PR through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This avenue enables you to remain in Canada before your PGWP expires. To qualify for AIP, you must have completed an eligible program lasting a minimum of two years.
Furthermore, you must secure a valid job offer from an employer located in one of the Atlantic Provinces: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
Option 2: Pursue Permit Extension & Obtain Open Work Permit
Do not fret if your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is nearing expiration. Should you not qualify for Canadian PR, explore alternative temporary pathways to remain in Canada.
Extend Study Permit
Should you desire to continue your studies in Canada following the expiration of your PGWP, simply apply to extend your study permit? This permits you to stay in the country as an international student for the duration of your new study program.
Remember, you must apply for the extension before the expiry of your PGWP and fulfill the eligibility criteria for the study permit extension.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you’ve already submitted a PR application for Canada and await a decision, you may also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). To qualify, you must have applied for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and received an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC.
With a BOWP, you can sustain employment and maintain your lawful status in Canada until a decision is reached on your PR application.
Open Work Permit
Should you wish to continue working, explore avenues to secure an open work permit. You might consider urging your employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to facilitate obtaining a closed work permit.
This enables you, as the permit holder, to reside and work in Canada, albeit exclusively for the sponsoring employer.
Accumulating Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation significantly enhances your prospects of transitioning from temporary to permanent residency in Canada. Undoubtedly, immigration regulations are intricate, and navigating the PR application process post-PGWP expiration demands a thorough comprehension of the procedures involved.
Require assistance?
Contact Universal Adviser, esteemed immigration consultants in Delhi NCR. Possessing extensive expertise in Canadian immigration, their team will evaluate your case and provide optimal solutions for applying for Canada PR. Whether you seek aid with your application, documentation, job search, or other matters, they’re equipped to assist you!
Avail a complimentary consultation session and ascertain the most suitable approach for your circumstances. For more information you can drop us a mail at info@universaladviser.com or give us a call on +91–730–345–0222 and speak to our experts directly.
