How To Stay in Canada after your PGWP Expires

After the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, individuals must find other options to stay in Canada. They can apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 

Post-PGWP decisions are significant for international graduates wanting to stay in Canada. This guide provides an overview of available immigration programs to help you make informed decisions about your future in Canada.

Can You Stay in Canada After Your PGWP Expires?

After a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, individuals cannot work or stay in Canada under that permit. 

However, PGWP holders may be eligible for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class within the Express Entry system or through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). They may also be able to maintain their status with a Bridging Open Work Permit or continue their education with a new study permit and PGWP.

Immediate steps nearing PGWP expiration:

• Assess eligibility for permanent residency applications, including Express Entry and PNPs.
• Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit to maintain status during PR processing.
• Explore further education options and the possibility of obtaining a new study permit.
• Investigate provincial opportunities for additional PR pathways.

Options to Stay in Canada After Your PGWP Expires

Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders in Canada can extend their stay by applying for permanent residency or securing a different work permit. 

Navigating the available options requires a strategic approach; early planning ensures that individuals are prepared for the necessary steps in the immigration process.

Apply for Permanent Residence

Getting a Permanent Residency in Canada offers many benefits, including the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, access to healthcare and social services, legal protection, and the chance to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Categories for Canadian permanent residency include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Quebec Skilled Workers Program.

Express Entry System for Skilled Workers

Express entry system criteria and application process:

• Check eligibility for one of the three federal immigration programs.
• Take language tests and include results in your profile.
• Submit an online profile detailing skills.
• If eligible, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
• If successful, receive confirmation of permanent residence.

Tips for improving your express entry profile:

1. Improve language scores
2. Gain additional work experience
3. Pursue higher education
4. Secure a job offer

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Qualifications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

• 1 year in NOC 0, A, or B categories in the last 10 years.
• CLB level 7 or higher in English or French.
• Canadian secondary or postsecondary certificate, diploma, or equivalent foreign credential.
• Ability to support yourself and dependents.

The FSWP points grid uses a points-based system to evaluate candidates based on six main factors: language skills, education, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability. Candidates can be awarded up to 100 points.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requirements:

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying,
• Work in Canada must be gained legally on a temporary resident status.
• Meet the required language levels for your job.

To improve your Canadian Experience Class application, ensure all documentation accurately reflects your work experience and legal status in Canada. Aim for language test scores that exceed minimum requirements to improve your CRS score in the Express Entry system.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Trades eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

• Industrial, Electrical, and Construction Trades
• Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
• Supervisors and Technical Jobs
• Chefs and Cooks
• Bakers and Butchers

To obtain a certificate of qualification for your trade under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you must first have your training, trade experience, and skills assessed by a provincial or territorial authority or a federal body in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs are unique to each province/territory, with specific streams and criteria to meet their economic and demographic needs. They look for skilled candidates who can successfully contribute to the local economy and settle there.

How to find the PNP that fits an applicant's profile:

• Research each PNP
• Consider your connections
• Evaluate Your Occupation
• Review application procedures
• Stay updated
• Seek professional advice

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

To qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), applicants need a job offer from a designated regional employer, meet education, experience, and language proficiency requirements, and show they have enough funds to support themselves and their families.

Steps to apply for the AIP:

1. Find a designated employer
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements
3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
5. Submit application
6. Wait for assessment
7. Apply for permanent residence
8. Receive permanent residence

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

The aim of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot is to attract immigrants to regions experiencing labor shortages due to youth migration, lower birth rates, and an aging population.

RNIP application process:

1. Select a participating community.
2. Secure a job offer from a participating employer.
3. Apply for a recommendation from the community.
4. Ensure you meet federal criteria.
5. Submit your application.
6. Await processing and, upon approval, make the move.

Family Sponsorship

To be eligible to sponsor a family member, the sponsor must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, a person registered in Canada as an Indian under the Canadian Indian Act, or a permanent resident of Canada.

Family sponsorship application process:

1. Ensure both sponsor and family member meet eligibility requirements.
2. Download the application package.
3. Fill out all required forms.
4. Collect supporting documents
5. Calculate and pay necessary fees.
6. Submit the application and wait for the receipt.

Apply for a New Work Permit

Individuals can apply for a new work permit in Canada when their current one is nearing expiry, if they want to change employers, or if they receive a job offer as visitors.

Comparative analysis of different types of Canadian work permits:

Work Permit Types

‍

1- Open Work Permit

EligibilityValidity : Varies (e.g., spouses of skilled workers, international students, etc.)

Validity Period : Varies based on the situation

LMIA Required? : No

‍

2- Employer-specific Work Permit

EligibilityValidity : Job offer from a Canadian employer may require LMIA

Validity Period : Varies based on the job offer and LMIA

LMIA Required? : Yes

‍

3- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

EligibilityValidity : Graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions

Validity Period : Up to 3 years, depending on the length of study

LMIA Required? : No

‍

4- International Experience Canada (IEC)

EligibilityValidity : Citizens of participating countries aged 18-35

Validity Period : Up to 2 years, depending on the category and country

LMIA Required? : No

‍

5- International Mobility Program (IMP)

EligibilityValidity : Job offer that benefits Canada

Validity Period : Varies based on job offer

LMIA Required? : No

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Work Permit

An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers need to obtain before hiring foreign workers. It is issued by ESDC and assesses the impact of hiring a foreign national on the Canadian labor market.

Steps to Apply for an LMIA Work Permit:

1. Get a job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. The employer applies for an LMIA from ESDC.
3. ESDC reviews the application and issues a decision.
4. If approved, the employer provides a copy of the LMIA.
5. Upon approval, receive the work permit and start working in Canada.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Under the International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in some instances. It aims to facilitate the entry of foreign workers who can contribute to Canada's economy and enhance its competitiveness.

Jobs Eligible for LMIA-exempt permits include Software Engineer, Management Consultant, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Research Assistant, Visiting Professor, Intra-Company Transfer, Dependent on a Foreign Worker, and Working Holiday Participant.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows individuals in Canada who have applied for permanent residence to continue working while their Application is processed. 

Application Process for a BOWP:

1. Ensure you qualify.
2. Collect the required paperwork.
3. Complete the form and pay the fee.
4. Send the application and documents to IRCC.
5. Wait for processing.
6. If approved, you'll get your permit.

Apply for a New Study Permit

Eligibility criteria for a new study permit:

• Acceptance from an approved institution.
• Show tuition, living, and return transportation funds.
• Provide a police certificate if needed.
• Convince immigration that you'll leave after your studies.

To choose a program of study in Canada, consider your interests and career goals, research programs and institutions, location, tuition cost, living expenses, and support services for international students.

Enroll in a New Post-Secondary Program

Canada offers world-class education with diverse programs, top-notch facilities, and research opportunities, and ability for students to work and become permanent residents after graduation.

To apply for a new study permit, individuals must:

• Gain acceptance into a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Choose a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Provide proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be in good health and complete a medical examination if required.

Apply for a Visitor Visa

Individuals might opt for a visitor visa post-post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for various reasons. One common reason is to explore Canada as a tourist after spending time there as a student and worker.

The application process for a Canadian visitor visa includes:

• Applying online or via paper application before the current permit expires.
• Showing adequate financial support for the visit.
• Convince immigration of intention to leave Canada at the end of the visit.

Key Takeaways

• After your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, you can apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Programs, or Atlantic Immigration Pilot. 
• You can also consider maintaining status with a Bridging Open Work Permit or continuing education with a new study permit and PGWP.
• If your PGWP is nearing expiration, assess your eligibility for permanent residency, apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit, or explore further education options or provincial opportunities.

Navigating post-graduation options in Canada requires strategic planning and timely action. Whether pursuing a permanent residency, obtaining a new work or study permit, or exploring visitor visa options, it's crucial to understand eligibility criteria and application procedures. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Leave Canada after applying for a study permit extension?

Leaving Canada after applying for a study permit extension is legally permissible; however, it does come with certain risks and implications. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can leave Canada and return if your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid.

Before leaving Canada after applying for a study permit extension, ensure your travel documents are in order, including a valid passport, visitor visa or eTA, and a study permit extension application receipt.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada After Your Work Permit Expires?

After your work permit expires in Canada, you have 90 days to either leave the country or apply to restore your status. During these 90 days, you can work once your status has been restored and a new work permit has been issued.

If your work permit in Canada has expired and you missed the 90-day restoration window, your options are limited. However, if substantial humanitarian and compassionate grounds exist, you can apply for an exemption from some requirements. 

Can I Stay Legally for 90 Days in Canada?

If you hold a permit in Canada and apply for an extension before it expires, you can stay in the country until a decision is made on your application.

During the 90-day restoration period, individuals should promptly apply to restore their status by submitting the required application and supporting documents to IRCC and staying in Canada while awaiting the decision.