The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is excellent for international students who complete their studies and want to stay in Canada because it will allow them to gain practical work experience in Canada. Nonetheless, typically, the PGWP is issued for a limited period and aligns with the duration of the study program; this means that at the expiration of the permit, many students graduate with uncertainty about their future. If you are currently in this situation, the good news is that there are several ways to remain in Canada legally after your PGWP expires.
This guide will help you understand your options and the steps you can take to stay in Canada. When your PGWP expires, you should know that you will need to explore alternative pathways to stay in Canada. Canada offers several options for individuals in this situation, depending on your career goals, the work experience you’ve accumulated, and your long-term plans.
These options include applying for other work permits, seeking permanent residency, or extending your stay through different visa categories. The key to living in Canada after PGWP expires is to be proactive and start planning well in advance. This will significantly increase the chances of a smooth transition in case one has knowledge of the available options and how to apply for them.
Work Permit Application
Among the most common ways of staying in Canada after PGWP expires is through an application for another work permit. There are many types of work permits, but the most common route after PGWP expires is through employer-specific or open work permits. If you already have an employment in Canada, you could apply for a new work permit either through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or directly if your employment is in a sector of high demand, using the employer-specific permit.
If you can’t obtain an employer-specific work permit, then you might apply for an open work permit. It’s provided to individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements, like a spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student, or when nominated by a province for permanent residence. Among all the easy ways to remain in Canada after PGWP expires, the application for a work permit tops the list.
Apply for Permanent Residency
An alternative way to pursue after PGWP expires is to apply for permanent residency. There are various immigration programs available in Canada through which you may immigrate from temporary status to permanent residency. The most popular program among international graduates is the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is under the Express Entry system.
You will be eligible for the CEC if you have one year of skilled work experience in Canada after your completion of studies. If you have gained this experience while on your PGWP, you can apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system, and the success chances will, therefore, depend on factors such as age, education, language skills, and work experience in Canada. It is always essential to check for eligibility and apply just immediately after the expiry of PGWP so that the chances of receiving an invitation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to apply for permanent residency could be maximized.
Consider Provincial Nominee Program
If you need to stay in Canada after PGWP expires, you may need to apply to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) because each of the provinces of Canada has a program for bringing skilled workers. If you already have work experience in a certain province, you would be eligible to be nominated there. Many provinces have PNP streams designed especially for individuals who have completed studies in the province and gained appropriate work experience in the province. If nominated, you can apply for permanent residence and remain in Canada.
Extend your PGWP, in some cases
In most cases, a PGWP cannot be extended. There are, however, a few very specific situations under which it is possible to extend your stay in Canada after your PGWP has expired. This may include if you were unable to find a job after graduation or were unable to gain full-time work experience-you may be eligible to extend your PGWP by showing that you have eligibility under specific immigration streams.
If you think you may be eligible for an extension, it is essential to review the eligibility criteria and seek the advice of an immigration expert. It is not a common option, but extending your PGWP after it has expired might be the best course of action for some people.
Other Visa Options
After the expiry of PGWP, you may consider other kinds of visas that would be more feasible for you; for example, you might apply for a visitor visa if you decide to go back to school. And then, after acquiring more education, you might get another study permit, thereby giving you the possibility of spending some more time in Canada. Alternatively, if you still are not willing to leave Canada, you can opt to stay there on a temporary basis and apply for a visitor visa. However, note that a visitor visa is a non-work visa, and in case you need to work there, you can consider working or studying elsewhere in Canada.
Entrepreneurship
Another way to remain in Canada after PGWP expires is by starting a business. There are various immigration pathways for individuals who wish to establish or invest in a business in Canada. The most popular one for entrepreneurs is the Start-up Visa Program. This program allows eligible persons to apply for permanent residency in Canada if they are sponsored by a designated organization meeting certain criteria. If you have the skills and experience to start a business, this can be a serious route for consideration to stay in Canada after your PGWP expires.
Seek Expert Guidance to Stay in Canada
If you are unsure of your options after your PGWP expires, you can seek advice from an immigration consultant or lawyer to guide you through the process. They can assess your situation, help you determine the best course of action, and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements for the immigration program you want to apply to. The immigration system is complex, but with professional help, you can increase your chances of staying in Canada.
There are a number of choices available to those who wish to remain in Canada after the expiration of their PGWP. You may apply for a work permit, seek permanent residency, or explore other visa options. The important thing is to make a plan and take action before your PGWP expires. Considering your work experience, educational background, and long-term goals, you can decide which path will best help you stay in Canada and continue building a successful future.
