10 Options For Temporary Residents In Canada With Expiring Permits

Last Updated On 10 December 2025, 8:52 AM EST (Toronto Time)

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Canada is heading into one of the most consequential years for temporary residents, especially international graduates and foreign workers, to remain legally in the country.

As we approach 2026, tens of thousands of individuals will face expiring permits at a time when federal policies are tightening, permanent residency pathways are narrowing, and economic pressures are reshaping the immigration landscape.

The situation is especially time-sensitive for the 31,610 individuals holding Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) set to expire by December 31, 2025, according to IRCC data provided to The Globe and Mail.

Many of these graduates arrived during years of record-high international student enrollments and were encouraged by institutions, consultants, and government messaging to build long-term plans in Canada.

However, with Canada reducing temporary resident levels, adjusting PR targets, and enforcing stricter study permit rules, temporary residents facing expiring documents are increasingly unsure what options remain — and what consequences they might face if they fail to transition to another status.

This comprehensive guide breaks down every viable option temporary residents can consider in 2025-2026, along with risks, timelines, and strategies to avoid falling out of status.

Scale of Permit Expirations in 2025–2026

A major concern raised in recent months is the significant number of temporary residents who will lose their status by the end of 2025.

Publicly available data now shows:

31,610 PGWP holders have permits expiring by December 31, 2025.
Last year, approximately 70,000 PGWPs expired.
IRCC reports that among 115,000 PGWP expirations in 2025, only 12% successfully extended or transitioned to another work permit.
This figure excludes transitions to permanent residency — a pathway that is becoming harder due to lower PR targets and stricter program criteria.

Meanwhile, Canada is shifting its immigration strategy:

Temporary residents peaked at 7.6% of the population in 2024.
The federal government now aims to reduce this figure to 5% by 2027.
As of late 2025, temporary residents make up 7.3% of the population, or about 3 million people.

However, the number does not include people who remain after their permits expire.

Some immigration economists estimate that Canada may have close to one million undocumented individuals, many of whom originally entered legally on temporary visas that later expired.

This context makes it even more important for temporary residents with upcoming expirations to proactively secure their next step.

10 Options For Temporary Residents Before Their Permits Expire

This section outlines all the viable legal pathways temporary residents can consider before or after their status expires.

It includes timelines, risks, and suitability for different situations.

Option 1: Apply for Permanent Residency Before Your Permit Expires

For many temporary residents, securing PR before their document expires is the ideal solution.

However, competition has significantly increased, and eligibility requirements have become more rigid.

Express Entry Draws in 2025–2026

Recent draw trends show:

Category-based invitations remain dominant, especially the French category.
CRS scores for general Canadian Experience Class (CEC) rounds remain historically high.
Provincial nominee program–aligned draws continue but are increasingly selective.

While Express Entry is still the most common pathway, the reality is that most PGWP holders do not have enough CRS points to qualify, especially without a provincial nomination.

When is this option realistic?

This path is viable for individuals who:

Already meet CRS thresholds.
Have arranged employment to secure a provincial nomination.
Have strong French language scores (CLB 7+).
Hold skilled work experience in healthcare, education, or trades — categories favoured in targeted draws.

A PR application does not automatically give implied status, so maintaining valid temporary residency is still essential while you wait for the application to be processed.

Option 2: Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit allows certain PR applicants to continue working while their PR application is being processed.

Who qualifies for a BOWP?

You must:

Have already submitted a complete PR application through Express Entry or specific eligible programs.
Be within Canada.
Have a work permit expiring within four months.

Who does NOT qualify?

You cannot apply for a BOWP if:

Your PR application has not passed the completeness check.
You applied under programs that do not support BOWP.
You are applying for PR from outside Canada.

Option 3: Apply for an LMIA-Supported Work Permit

PGWP is not allowed to be extended, so many temporary residents may turn to employers for LMIA-based job offers.

Advantages

Provides a new temporary work permit.
Help in getting additional experience to increase the Express Entry CRS score.
Can lead to provincial nomination in some cases.

Challenges

Many employers are reluctant to go through the LMIA process.
Always been part of the controversial talk, with some employers charging money illegally to benefit from such a situation
Approval rates vary by sector and province.
Processing times can be lengthy during peak seasons.

LMIA options remain viable for workers in:

Food services
Retail management
Transportation and trucking
Hospitality
Caregiving
Construction
Agriculture

Workers should approach this option months before their permit expires.

Option 4: Switch to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Provincial programs continue to offer the largest share of permanent residency invitations.

Strong PNP pathways in 2025–2026 include:

OINP Employer Job Offer stream (currently under the process of being reformed)
BC PNP Skills Immigration streams
AAIP Express Entry and Opportunity streams
MPNP Skilled Worker streams
NSNP Experience and Labour Market Priorities streams

Why this path is still viable

Even with the federal government reducing temporary residents, provinces retain autonomy to select workers based on local labour shortages.

When PNP is ideal

Choose this path if you:

Have 6+ months of skilled work experience in the province.
Work in in-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, tech, or childcare.
Have arranged employment.

Option 5: Apply for a Visitor Record

When a work permit expires and no immediate option exists, switching to visitor status helps individuals stay legally in Canada while planning their next move.

Key notes

You cannot work as a visitor.
You can remain legally in Canada for up to 6 months (extendable).
It buys extra time to gather documents, secure an LMIA job offer, or prepare a PR application.

Risks

Longer periods without work may create financial strain, especially for those with debt from tuition and living expenses.

Option 6: Apply for a Study Permit and Return to School

Some temporary residents choose to enroll in new programs to prolong their stay, but this option is much harder after 2024 due to federal caps.

Challenges after the 2024 study permit reforms

Approval rates have decreased significantly. Master’s streams continue to be the best option.
Many institutions no longer qualify for PGWP pathways.
Proof of funds increased substantially.

Suitable for individuals who:

Can afford tuition.
Enroll in public institutions or master’s programs.
Have strong academic backgrounds and financial capacity.

This option should be considered only if it supports future immigration goals.

Option 7: Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications

Now this path is not for all. H&C applications are only for individuals who would face exceptional hardship if required to leave Canada.

Examples include:

Deep establishment in Canada after many years.
Strong community ties.
Well-founded risks in the country of origin.
Best interests of a child in Canada.

Limitations

It is a slow, complex process.
It does not automatically provide work authorization.
Approval rates are relatively low.

H&C is the final option for individuals with no other pathway and who can genuinely prove they have well-founded fear in their home country.

Option 8: Refugee Protection (Asylum Claim)

A small percentage of temporary residents apply for refugee protection when facing personal danger in their home country.

Important considerations

Must meet the legal definition of a refugee.
Cannot apply simply because of economic hardship.
False claims can result in deportation and future inadmissibility.

This path should only be pursued when supported by genuine risk.

Option 9: Restoration of Status After Expiry

If a permit expires, IRCC allows a 90-day restoration period.

During these 90 days, you can apply to restore:

Worker status
Student status
Visitor status

You cannot work during restoration processing unless you receive interim authorization.

Failing to restore within 90 days may lead to removal orders.

Option 10: Leaving Canada and Re-Entering Later Under a New Program

Some individuals choose to leave temporarily and return later, when:

Hone their profile for example, by learning French in their home country.
Increase their foreign work experience in an in-demand sector.
Provincial programs reopen with increased demand for their profession.
International education reforms stabilize.

This strategy is increasingly common as temporary resident reductions continue.

Consequences of Staying in Canada After Permit Expiry

Remaining in Canada without valid status has serious implications:

You cannot work legally.
You cannot study.
You cannot access most services.
You risk receiving a removal order.
Future immigration applications may be refused, as they may demand valid status inside Canada.

CBSA reportedly removed 18,000 people last year, though the agency does not break down figures by permit type.

Additionally, being out of status can complicate:

Spousal sponsorship applications
Future work permit applications
Visitor visa applications
Permanent residency eligibility

Undocumented individuals are also at higher risk of exploitation, particularly in low-wage sectors.

What Experts Say About the Situation

Economists and immigration researchers believe that the temporary resident system has reached a critical threshold.

2 years ago, CIBC economist Benjamin Tal previously estimated Canada has nearly one million expired-status visa holders, most of whom entered the country legally but lost status over time.

So numbers are always higher as compared to official data. Experts warn this growing undocumented population could create:

Labour exploitation
Wage suppression
Riskier working conditions
Social instability
Lower tax revenue
Barriers to integration

They also argue that many temporary residents were encouraged by Canada’s messaging during the pandemic to study, work, and pursue PR — creating expectations that are no longer aligned with current policy.

Between 2015 and 2023, Canada expanded its international student population from 350,000 to over one million — a near tripling in less than a decade.

During the same period:

PGWPs increased more than 600%, from 33,615 to 240,200 annually.
Colleges and universities marketed programs heavily with PR promises.
Labour shortages encouraged employers to rely on PGWP holders.

However, starting in 2024, major policy reversals changed the landscape entirely:

Caps on study permits
Removal of open-ended PGWP extensions
Lower PR intake targets
Stricter requirements for designated learning institutions

Students who arrived between 2021 and 2023 now face the steepest challenges, having invested the most financially while facing the fewest PR opportunities.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 PR Landscape for Temporary Residents

The federal government has indicated that 2026 will include:

A TR-to-PR pathway may come in 2026 for in-Canada workers.
A special accelerated PR stream for U.S. H-1B visa holders.
Adjustments to manage the rising undocumented population.
More targeted categories in Express Entry

Temporary residents with expiring permits in 2025–2026 may benefit from these programs if they remain in status.

Those who fall out of status may find themselves excluded.

Canada is moving toward a more regulated, selective, and streamlined temporary residence system.

The days of easy extensions, special policies, and wide-open permit access have ended.

As the government reduces temporary resident numbers and prioritizes permanent pathways for select in-Canada applicants, those with expiring permits in 2025–2026 must navigate one of the most complex immigration environments in years.

Whether through LMIA jobs, PR programs, study permits, visitor extensions, restoration, or refugee and H&C applications, options still exist.

But each one requires planning, documentation, and careful immigration strategy.

Temporary residents who take proactive steps now will be best positioned to secure legal status, avoid becoming undocumented, and transition successfully into long-term opportunities — whether in Canada or abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if my PGWP expires before I gain enough CRS points for permanent residency?

International graduates who cannot meet CRS thresholds before their PGWP expires still have several legal options. The most common is switching to visitor status to remain in Canada while exploring new pathways such as securing a provincial nomination, applying for an LMIA-supported job offer, or preparing for future targeted draws. However, you cannot work as a visitor, and staying without status will eliminate eligibility for most future immigration programs. Graduates should act before expiry to avoid falling into the undocumented population that economists estimate could exceed one million people.

Is it possible to avoid leaving Canada if I cannot qualify for PR right now?

Yes — temporary residents can avoid leaving Canada by maintaining any legal status, even if it means switching to a visitor record. While you lose the ability to work, you remain eligible for future immigration programs, employer sponsorship, or provincial nominations. The key is preventing a lapse in status. Restoration is possible for 90 days after expiry, but if missed, the only legal option is to leave Canada and re-enter later under a new permit.

Why are so many international graduates struggling to stay in Canada despite studying at public colleges and universities?

The landscape changed dramatically after 2024. Ottawa reduced temporary resident levels, tightened PGWP rules, raised financial requirements, lowered PR targets, and introduced strict study permit caps. Many graduates entered Canada during years when institutions heavily marketed PR pathways, but now face limited spots and high CRS cutoffs. This mismatch between expectations and policy reality has created an environment where thousands of graduates have few clear transition options.

Can I qualify for any future TR-to-PR program if my status expires before the government launches it?

Most TR-to-PR programs — including previous ones — required applicants to hold valid status at the time of application. Graduates who fall out of status risk becoming ineligible for future programs expected in 2026, including the large in-Canada transition pathway planned in the Immigration Levels Plan. Maintaining legal status now, even as a visitor, keeps all future options open.

How can international graduates realistically increase their chances of getting PR in 2025–2026?

Graduates can significantly improve their odds by taking steps that directly increase their competitiveness:
1. Retaking language tests to achieve CLB 9 or higher
2. Learning French to qualify for targeted French draws
3. Securing LMIA-supported employment to apply for closed work permit.
4. Gaining experience in high-demand categories like STEM, trades, healthcare, or transport
5. Relocating to provinces with stronger nomination streams
6. Applying early for PNPs that prioritize employer-backed applications
Those who diversify their pathways — instead of relying solely on Express Entry — are more likely to succeed under Canada’s reduced PR targets and temporary resident reduction strategy.

Can a PSW with NOC 34101 extend their SOWP?

Yes, a Personal Support Worker (PSW) classified under NOC 34101 is eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) extension. To qualify, your spouse must be employed in a skilled occupation, which includes healthcare support roles. It is essential to apply for the extension before your current SOWP expires, ideally up to 30 days prior. By submitting your application on time, you can maintain your legal status in Canada while it is processed. Ensure you provide necessary documentation, such as proof of your spouse's employment as a PSW. For more details, visit the Government of Canada website.

What is the NOC classification for nursing aides in Canada?

Nursing aides in Canada are classified under NOC 34101. This classification encompasses various roles, including nursing aides, personal support workers, health care aides, and home support workers. Their responsibilities involve assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring health, providing emotional support, and aiding in mobility and physical therapy. Employment typically requires a high school diploma and may necessitate completion of a training program or certification, depending on the province. Nursing aides primarily work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and private homes. For more information on job prospects, visit Canada's Job Bank.

What is NOC 33201 in Canada?

NOC 33201 is a classification within Canada's National Occupational Classification system, designated for 'Other Trades and Related Occupations.' This category includes various skilled trades such as insulation workers, plasterers, and pavers. Job responsibilities vary but generally involve physical work and adherence to safety protocols. Employment typically requires a high school diploma, completion of relevant training or apprenticeship, and sometimes certification or licensing. Demand for these occupations can fluctuate with the construction and manufacturing sectors. For more information on job prospects, visit Canada's official immigration site.

Can I extend my SOWP if my wife works in NOC 33102?

You can extend your Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if your wife has a valid work permit and is employed in a skilled occupation like NOC 33102, which falls under healthcare support. It is advisable to apply for the extension before your current permit expires, as you can submit your application up to 30 days prior. If you apply before expiration, you can remain in Canada under implied status while your application is processed. For more information, visit the IRCC website.

What options do temporary residents in Canada have for expiring permits?

Temporary residents in Canada with expiring permits have several options to maintain their legal status. They can apply for a work permit extension if eligible, transition to a different work permit, or explore pathways to permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program. Enrolling in further studies may also allow them to obtain a new study permit. Additionally, they can apply for a visitor record to remain in Canada as a visitor or seek open work permit options for spouses. Consulting with an immigration professional is advisable to navigate these options effectively. It is crucial to take action before the permit expires to avoid becoming undocumented.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.