What to Do After Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Expires
- Web Socialander
- May 22
- 6 min read
When your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expires, it doesn't necessarily mean your journey in Canada must end. While the PGWP is a one-time, non-renewable permit, there are several pathways to extend your stay, whether through further education, transitioning to another type of work permit, or applying for permanent residency. This guide will walk you through your options, helping you make informed decisions about your future in Canada.
The PGWP allows international graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, typically for a duration equal to the length of their study program, up to a maximum of three years. Once this permit expires, you no longer have the legal authorization to work in Canada. Continuing to work without valid authorization can have serious consequences, including future inadmissibility to Canada.
It's important to note that the PGWP is non-renewable. However, in certain circumstances, such as if your passport expired before the full length of your PGWP eligibility, you may apply for an extension after renewing your passport.
Assessing Your Current Immigration Status
After your PGWP expires, it's crucial to determine your current immigration status in Canada. If you applied to extend or change the conditions of your work permit before it expired, you may have maintained status, allowing you to stay in Canada under the same conditions until a decision is made on your application.
If you did not apply before your permit expired, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of losing your status. During this period, you must stop working and submit a restoration application to regain temporary resident status.
Exploring Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways
Gaining Canadian work experience through a PGWP can make you eligible for various permanent residency programs:
Express Entry Programs
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For those with foreign work experience and meeting specific criteria.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply Through Express Entry
1. Confirm Your Eligibility: First, make sure you qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs based on factors like education, work experience, and language skills.
2. Create Your Profile: Set up an Express Entry profile and enter details such as your education history, work experience, and language test scores.
3. Receive Your CRS Score: Once your profile is submitted, you'll be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which ranks you in the candidate pool.
4. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll be invited to apply for permanent residence.
5. Submit a Complete Application: Prepare and upload all the required documents, including medical exams, police certificates, and proof of funds.
6. Application Processing: Most applications under Express Entry are processed within six months.
Need help navigating the Express Entry process? Reach out to InfoPlace Canada for expert support.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Each province and territory in Canada operates its own PNP, targeting specific labor market needs. Some PNP streams are tailored for international graduates and may offer expedited pathways to permanent residency. Learn more about the PNPs here.
How to Apply Through a PNP
1. Choose the Right Province: Start by selecting a province or territory that aligns with your work experience, skills, and long-term goals.
2. Apply for a Nomination: Submit your application to the province. Each province has its own criteria and process.
3. Get a Nomination Certificate: If you're approved, you'll receive a provincial nomination.
4. Apply for Permanent Residence: Use your nomination to apply for PR either through the Express Entry system or a paper-based application.
Other PR Options
Depending on your circumstances, other programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program or the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot may be suitable. These programs often require a job offer from a designated employer in specific regions.
By understanding the implications of an expired PGWP, assessing your current status, and exploring available PR pathways, you can take proactive steps toward securing your future in Canada.
Consider Furthering Your Education in Canada
If your PGWP has expired and you're not yet eligible for permanent residency, going back to school could be a strategic move. Enrolling in another academic program not only allows you to remain in Canada legally (with a new study permit) but may also open the door to new work and immigration opportunities.
Benefits of Enrolling in Another Academic Program:
Pursuing a higher level of education, such as a graduate certificate, diploma, or a master’s degree, can increase your employability and improve your eligibility for PR programs. It also allows you to apply for a new study permit, and in most cases, you can work part-time during your studies and full-time during scheduled breaks.
In some provinces, completing additional education may make you eligible for specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams targeting recent graduates.
Transitioning to a Visitor Record
If you need more time to figure out your next steps or wish to remain in Canada temporarily after your PGWP expires, applying for a visitor record is another possible route. This won’t allow you to work or study, but it lets you stay in Canada legally for a specified period.
Process of Applying for a Visitor Record
To apply for a visitor record, you must do so before your PGWP expires or within the 90-day restoration window. You’ll need to apply online through your IRCC account, providing a valid reason for your stay and evidence of how you will support yourself financially during your time as a visitor. Visitor records are typically granted for up to six months at a time.
Limitations and Considerations While on Visitor Status
Being on visitor status has significant restrictions as you cannot work or study unless you change your status again. It’s intended only as a short-term measure. If your goal is to pursue further studies or transition to another work permit, it’s better to apply directly for a study permit or employer-specific work permit if eligible.
Still, for those who need time to gather documents for another immigration pathway, wait for PR decisions, or prepare for exams like IELTS or TEF, a visitor record offers a legal way to remain in Canada.
Applying for a Different Work Permit
If you're no longer eligible for a PGWP, there are still other types of work permits you may be able to apply for, especially if you’ve secured a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Employer-specific work permits are tied to one employer and job, usually supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role, allowing the employer to hire a foreign worker.
Alternatively, under LMIA-exempt programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP), some individuals may qualify for work permits without an LMIA, such as those covered by international agreements (e.g., CUSMA) or intra-company transferees.
Eligibility and Application Process for Other Work Permits
To be eligible, you typically need:
A valid job offer supported by an LMIA.
Documentation showing your qualifications and experience.
In some cases, a positive employer compliance history (for IMP).
A clean immigration and criminal record.
Applications are generally submitted online, and processing times vary based on program and location.
Seeking Professional Immigration Advice
Navigating immigration pathways after a PGWP expires can feel overwhelming. Between restoration timelines, work permit options, and PR pathways, it's easy to miss crucial details that affect your legal status in Canada. This is where professional support becomes invaluable.
At InfoPlace Canada, we specialize in helping international graduates and skilled workers make informed decisions about their immigration journey. From assessing eligibility for PR to preparing compelling restoration applications, our team is equipped to support you at every stage. We also provide guidance on applying for study permits, LMIA-based work permits, and preparing for category-based Express Entry draws.
By working with our consultants, you gain peace of mind knowing you’re not navigating Canada’s immigration system alone, and that you have professionals advocating for your future in Canada.
Professional assistance is especially helpful if your case involves complexities, like status restoration, inadmissibility issues, expired documents, or changes in eligibility due to new IRCC policies.
Planning Your Next Steps
Once you've explored your options and taken necessary steps, whether that’s applying for PR, enrolling in school, or transitioning to another permit, it’s time to think long-term.
Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve in Canada over the next few years? If your goal is permanent residency, which pathway aligns best with your qualifications and experience? Are there provinces with PNPs that suit your profile better than others? If your focus is career advancement, does your field of work require further credentials or Canadian experience?
Mapping out your priorities helps clarify which options are worth pursuing and how to allocate your time and resources effectively.
Your immigration path is not just a legal process but it’s deeply personal. Every step you take should be aligned with a broader plan that considers your career, family, finances, and long-term goals. This means staying updated on IRCC policy changes, keeping your documents in order, and acting within deadlines.
Conclusion
The end of your Post-Graduation Work Permit isn’t the end of your journey in Canada but simply a transition point. Success lies in being proactive, well-informed, and strategic, whether you're pursuing permanent residency, continuing your education, or exploring new work opportunities.
At InfoPlace Canada, we’re committed to helping international graduates like you find clarity in the chaos. Our experts are here to support you through every decision, every application, and every step forward. Reach out to our team today for a personalized consultation and get the guidance you need to stay on track with your Canadian immigration goals.