Last Updated On 10 March 2023, 10:15 AM EST (Toronto Time)

How To Extend Your Stay In Canada: With no Express Entry draws, many foreign workers and PGWP holders are running out of time and may soon be out of status.

There has been no Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) draw since December 2020. Additionally, the last Canadian Express Class (CEC) draw was on September 14, 2021.

Moreover, the latest internal memos indicate a temporary pause and reduced quota for the Federal High Skills category until 2024.

For individuals looking to extend their stay in Canada, this article explores the best options.

Extend your stay as a Student

A student who has completed a one year course, can apply for a second course to extend your study permit.

Note that the Post Graduate Work Permit is only issued one time, and completing one year or eight months course will grant PGWP for a year at most.

So, if you are pursuing 1-year program and extend your study permit by enrolling in another 1-year program.

Then you might be eligible for 3-year PGWP after completion of the programs.

With growing backlogs, and reduced Federal High Skills quota for 2022, it’s best to extend your stay as a student.

To extend your stay, apply for your study permit extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.

Also, remember to renew your Social Insurance Number and health insurance with your valid (extended) study permit.

Understanding Work Permits

If you are on an open work permit, meaning you hold a document that states that you can work under any employer or location in Canada, such as the PGWP, you may not be able to renew your work permit and extend your stay.

However, you could apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit. This requires you to have submitted a permanent residency application under qualifying programs.

You will need to receive an acknowledgment of receipt or pass the completeness check.

Furthermore, if you find yourself ineligible for another open work permit. Then you could explore the employer-specific work permit.

Use this IRCC tool to find the type of work permit suitable for you.

Explore PNPs

If your work permit is going to expire soon, here are a few PNPs you could consider:

New Brunswick Express Entry: The occupation in demand stream of the New Brunswick Express Entry program does not require a job offer. Additionally, it is focused towards occupations related to Finance, Human Resources, and Admin Officers.
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): This program requires a job offer and has options for NOC C and D occupations.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): This program has options for many international skilled workers.

Apart from these, you can also explore other PNPs as per your profile.

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Here Is How To Extend Your Stay In Canada!

Extend your stay as a Student

Understanding Work Permits

Explore PNPs

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