Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets you gain Canadian work experience after finishing your studies. But it doesn’t last forever, and once it expires, you’ll need to plan your next move carefully. The good news is that there are several legal ways to stay in Canada, depending on your goals and situation.
Let’s go over the main options, based on the most recent information from the Government of Canada.
Pathways to Stay in Canada After PGWP Expiry
When your PGWP ends, your choices depend on what you want to do next—work, apply for permanent residence, study again, or simply stay a bit longer. The options below outline the main legal routes that former international students often consider.
1. Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you’ve already applied for permanent residence (PR) and your PGWP is ending soon, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This permit lets you keep working while your PR application is being processed.
You must have submitted a complete PR application through an eligible program such as:
- Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, or Federal Skilled Trades)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) with a nomination and PR application already in progress
For Quebec-selected workers, there’s a separate process. IRCC offers guidance specific to Quebec applicants.
If you submit your BOWP application before your PGWP expires, you’ll have maintained status—which means you can stay in Canada and, in most cases, keep working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.
If your permit has already expired, you might still be able to restore your status within 90 days, but you must stop working until your new permit is approved.
2. Apply for Permanent Residence (PR)
If you meet the eligibility requirements, applying for PR is one of the most stable ways to remain in Canada.
Here are some of the most common pathways for PGWP holders:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Designed for individuals with skilled Canadian work experience and the required language proficiency.
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Based on points for age, education, language ability, and work experience—Canadian or international.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces select candidates who meet their local needs. You can apply through Express Entry-linked or base (non-EE) streams.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Open to qualified workers and certain graduates in Atlantic Canada who have an employer endorsement.
Creating an Express Entry profile is often the first step. It allows you to enter the candidate pool, and IRCC holds draws throughout the year for various categories—such as healthcare, trades, STEM, or French language skills.
3. Switch to Another Work Permit
If you’re not yet eligible for PR, you might be able to stay by changing to a different type of work permit.
Employer-specific work permits (LMIA-based):
If you have a valid job offer, your employer can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once approved, you can apply for a work permit tied to that employer. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program covers multiple categories, including high-wage, low-wage, agriculture, and the Global Talent Stream (which often has faster processing).
LMIA-exempt work permits (International Mobility Program):
Some situations don’t require an LMIA. These include international agreements like CUSMA, positions that bring significant benefit to Canada, academic or research roles, and the Francophone Mobility program for jobs outside Quebec.
Family members:
Rules for open work permits for spouses and partners changed in early 2025. Only certain categories of workers and students still qualify, so review the most recent eligibility list on IRCC’s website before applying.
Note: The temporary public policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits from inside Canada ended in August 2024. Regular in-Canada eligibility rules now apply.
If your current permit hasn’t expired yet, apply early to maintain your status. If it has, restoration may still be possible within 90 days—but you must stop working until IRCC approves the new permit.
4. Extend Your Stay as a Visitor
If you want to remain in Canada without working, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor. This gives you a visitor record, allowing you to stay legally, though not to work. It’s best to apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
Visitors are usually allowed to stay for up to six months, but the officer reviewing your application decides the exact duration.
If your visitor status has already expired, you may be able to restore it within 90 days—but again, you can’t work during this time.
5. Return to Studies
Some people decide to continue their education and apply for a new study permit. You’ll need a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and proof that you can support yourself during your studies.
If your study permit expired and you didn’t renew it in time, you have up to 90 days to apply for restoration. You can’t attend classes until your new permit is approved.
Keep in mind that the PGWP is a one-time benefit. Even if you study again, you won’t be eligible for a second one.
Legal Help and Professional Advice
Immigration rules change often, and sometimes quietly. Even small details—like applying a few days late or choosing the wrong form—can affect your status.
Start by checking the official IRCC website for current information. Then, if you need personalized guidance, you can contact us. Our licensed consultants help recent graduates explore the right pathway to stay in Canada legally and on time.
We review eligibility for work permits, PR options, and status restoration, and help prepare the correct documentation before deadlines pass.
