Maintain and Extend Your Status: Immigration Consultant Regina’s Tips for PGWP Holders

With over 2 million temporary residents in Canada, including a majority of work permit holders, many are concerned about maintaining their legal status as their permits approach expiry. At Connect Overseas Immigration, we understand that ensuring continuity of legal status is essential for both professional and personal stability. Whether you hold an open work permit like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or an employer-specific work permit based on an LMIA or LMIA-exempt job offer, understanding your options to maintain or extend your status is crucial. As a Regulated Immigration Consultant, we present you the thoroughly prepared guide on the available legal pathways:

1. Renewal of Work Permit

Steps:

– Apply for an extension before the expiry date.

– Submit a new application with required documents and fees to IRCC.

Notes: Hiring a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), fully licensed by CICC can help you plan your journey in advance and will give you tailored advice according to the work permit you have.

– PGWP is granted once and cannot be extended, except under specific public policies, none active currently.

– If your permit has less validity due to passport expiry, check the notes for extension instructions after renewing your passport.

– An LMIA-based job offer from a Canadian employer can also help extend your work permit.

– Spousal open work permits can be extended based on your spouse’s active status in Canada.

2. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) by Pursuing Permanent Residency

Eligibility:

– Reside in Canada (excluding Quebec).

– Have a valid or recently expired work permit, or be eligible to restore status.

– Be the principal applicant on a permanent residence application, having passed the completeness check.

– Possess an acknowledgment of receipt letter. Book a Consultation with us to discuss your options.

3. Exploring Open Work Permit Options

Eligibility:

– Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

– Spouses of certain international students and most work permit holders. Immigration Consultant Regina can Also suggest pathways to your spouse based on their credentials.

4. Seeking LMIA Exemption

Opportunities:

– Work for employers exempt from LMIA under international agreements like NAFTA or through the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Francophone Mobility Work Permit Criteria (Effective June 15, 2023):

– Offer of employment outside Quebec in specific TEER categories.

– French language proficiency equivalent to CLB/NCLC level 5 or higher.

5. Exploring Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Recommendations:

– Consider taking advice from an expert Immigration Consultant in Regina, SK and explore federal as well as Provincial Programs in this space and leverage them to start your journey towards permanent residence.

6. PNP Supported Job Offer

Steps:

– Find a PNP program with a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer.

– Request a work permit support letter at the time of your provincial nominee nomination application.

7. Applying for Visitor Record

Steps:

– If unable to extend your work permit, apply to change your status to a visitor.

– Ensure your TRV is valid or apply for a new one.

8. Voluntary Departure

Considerations:

– If unable to extend or change your status, consider leaving Canada before your authorized stay expires to avoid future immigration issues.

What’s Our Role

We have done our thoroughly research and understand the requirements and processes associated with each option. Contact us to seek expert guidance from Our Experienced Immigration Consultant Regina specializing in Canadian immigration law for personalized advice tailored to your situation. At Connect Overseas Immigration Services, we stay informed about immigration policy changes by regularly checking updates from IRCC and other reliable sources. We can help explore these legal avenues and provide expert guidance, So the temporary foreign workers can navigate the complex immigration landscape in Canada with confidence, securing a stable future for themselves and their families.