If you are an international graduate or a temporary foreign worker in Canada and your work permit is about to expire soon (especially as an international student/graduates) and you do not yet have permanent residency, this is for you.

Many foreign nationals whose work permits have expired or are about to expire still find ways to transition to permanent residency in Canada. As the policy granting them an extension of their work permit ends, many lose their status without knowing what to do next.

If you fall into this category or know someone who does, here are ten (10) possible options to consider or things to do. Share this with those who need it.

1) Stay on the right side of the law:

By all means, ensure you are not out of status. Keep your status in Canada even if it means transitioning to a visitor record. You can apply for a visitor record before your work permit expires. If your work permit has expired, you have up to 90 days after expiry to apply to restore your visitor record.

2) Apply for a work permit extension at the provincial level:

Check with your province to see if you are eligible for a work permit extension based on provincial nominee program applications. Some provinces currently have an agreement with IRCC regarding this (such as Manitoba, Alberta, and Yukon), and some have a work permit process and a work permit support letter for those with a job offer in their province (such as Newfoundland and Labrador).

3) Apply for an open work permit based on permanent residency immigration programs:

If you have applied for permanent residency through some immigration programs (like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs), you may be eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit linked to your permanent residency application. This permit allows you to work while waiting for your permanent residency application to be processed.

4) Consider applying for a new work permit through a specific employer:

If you have found a new employer in Canada willing to support you, you can apply for a new work permit that is tied to that employer. Make sure that the employer has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required, or that the job is exempt from this assessment.

5) Transition to a post-graduation work permit:

If you are an international graduate and have not yet used your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you can apply for it within 180 days after receiving your diploma or graduation notice from the Canadian educational institution. This work permit allows you to work openly in Canada for a specified period.

6) Explore regional immigration options:

Some provinces in Canada offer their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that may be suitable for your situation. Check the requirements and conditions to see if you are eligible to apply through the provincial program for the province you live in or wish to move to.

7) Take advantage of the International Mobility Program:

Some foreign workers are exempt from needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Ensure you check if you are eligible to apply for a work permit under this program based on a specific category such as international trade agreements or government arrangements.

8) Apply for special federal programs:

The Canadian government sometimes offers special programs or initiatives aimed at supporting temporary foreign workers, especially during times of economic or health crises. Keep an eye on news and government announcements for any new programs you may be eligible for.

9) Check humanitarian visas:

If you are facing special circumstances or significant hardships, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency on humanitarian grounds. Make sure to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant to understand the feasibility of this option and how to apply.

10) Reach out to a certified immigration consultant:

In all cases, it is always advisable to seek advice from a certified and registered immigration lawyer or consultant in Canada. Consultants can guide you to the best options for your situation and offer advice on how to improve your chances of staying legally in Canada.

In conclusion, these are some potential options that might help you stay in Canada and continue working or pursue permanent residency. Share this information with those who may benefit from it, and remember that time is of the essence, so it is important to act quickly before your work permits expire.