PGWP, known as the Post Graduate Work Permit, allows graduated students from overseas to work in Canada for up to three years. However, these permits can not be extended. However, people can still benefit from different options allowing PGWP holders to stay temporarily or permanently in Canada. Ronen Kurzfeld, Toronto immigration lawyer, will help you stay in Canada after PGWP Expires.

Below, we have mentioned five options for PGWP holders that allow people to stay in the country after their permit expires:

1. Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs or PNPs, the most common way of staying in the country permanently or temporarily, are also available for PNWP holders or international graduates who want to settle there.

These PNPs, including the enhanced PNPs, operate using the Express Entry system. A candidate receives 600 points toward their Express Entry CRS score after receiving a nomination through an enhanced PNP. The country has continued holding the draw for Express Entry for PNP recipients during the pandemic.

This allows PGWP holders to benefit from Express Entry’s expedited processing time. This also means that PGWP holders can receive permanent resident status in the country only after six months of applying.

2. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

To apply under the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), the candidate must have graduated from a publicly funded post-secondary institution belonging to one of eleven selected rural communities across the country.

In the pilot program, the candidates must have completed a post-secondary program of at least two years or a master’s degree. It is also mandatory for the candidate to have completed the minimum stated time in the community.

You will also find different eligibility criteria for each rural community set for the applications who want to apply for their program.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is designed for graduating students from an Atlantic post-secondary institute to become permanent residents. This program allows PGWP permit candidates to stay in Canada before their permit expires.

To qualify for this program, the individual must have completed at least two years of the program. The candidate should also work in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Labrador, or Newfoundland. The work could belong to any skill category, A, B, C, or 0.

One advantage that individuals get with this program is that they don’t have to complete the minimum work experience requirement. With this, PGWP holders can apply before they even start working.

4. Enroll in a new post-secondary program

By enrolling in a new post-secondary program in Canada, individuals can stay in Canada by working only up to 20 hours a week. This program is also available for individuals who are eligible for Express Entry but are waiting to receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) and want to stay in the country while waiting.

Candidates should also take note that those who do not have a valid work permit can not work in Canada.

5. Work Permit

Work permits usually require employers to undergo the complicated and time-consuming process of acquiring LMIA, Labour Market Impact Assessment.

However, they have the option to apply for different options that do not require them to have an LMIA. Such as Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire international workers temporarily without needing an LMAI.

If you are eligible to gain permanent residency before your permit expires, you can also apply for a bridging open work permit.

Contact Ronen Kurzfeld, Toronto immigration lawyer, today to discuss your case and get a free consultation by visiting their website.