Post Graduate work permit expiring – What are my options?

Immigrate NowImmigration, PR, Work Permit

So many students and workers in Canada at this time are in the same boat. The High CRS scores are not reassuring, the clock is ticking, What do I do?

 

We get this question from a lot of clients everyday.

 

If you have a postgraduate work permit which is due to expire soon, or for that matter within 2024, this is not too early to start thinking of what your next steps should be.

 

In 2022-2023, IRCC granted 18 month PGWP extensions to students via the “opt-in” or otherwise, to apply for or be granted a PGWP extension, for those PGWp holders in Canada who were not able to meet the qualifying CRS to be invited for PR under the Express Entry. While IRCC may grant such extensions in the future, in the absence of such an announcement so far, students/ workers must start thinking of a Plan B.

 

In BC, a number of students have benefitted in 2022 and early 2023 with the low BC-PNP scores, however that is not the case any more either.

 

A number of options still exist for students, who seek Canadian PR some of which are:

 

  • For students in BC, consider the BC PNP pathway: Despite the high BC PNP scores, you maybe able to qualify for the program depending on the time left on your permit, location of current or potential employment, your occupation, you may still have options

  • Consider other provinces where your employment may be in demand.

  • Consider the Temporary Foreign worker program to extend your work permit with the help of employer support.

  • As a last resort, especially if your work permit is very close to expiry, some workers might be left with no choice than to leave Canada.  This does not have to be the end of it all. Wherever you are outside of Canada, there might be a possibility for you to add skilled foreign work experience attained while you are outside of Canada and get additional points for foreign work experience in your CRS. In this way, you might be able to apply under the Express Entry program with your new improved score, and arrive in Canada again, this time as a Permanent Resident.

 

Talk to us NOW to get a holistic understanding of all your options. Your goal might be closer than you think.