Extend Your Stay in Canada

CANADA

Canada

How to Extend Your Stay in Canada

Many people in Canada find themselves nearing the end of their work permit without a clear plan to maintain their legal status. Whether you entered Canada on a study visa, closed work permit, or are waiting for Permanent Residency (PR), there are multiple strategies to extend your stay.

At Globexa Immigration, we help applicants choose the best pathway based on their situation, PR goals, and eligibility. Below, we explore all possible options to stay in Canada when your work permit is expiring.

1. Apply for a Visitor Record

What it does: Maintains your legal status in Canada without work authorization.
When to choose:
- If you’re close to receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) under Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- You want to stay legally in Canada while waiting for your PR process to move forward.
Key Point: You can’t work during this period, but it keeps you in status until you can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit after getting your ITA and submitting your PR application.

2. Open Work Permit Extension

Instead of a visitor record, some applicants choose to apply for an open work permit extension for extra time to work and gain Canadian experience.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Extension:
- Only possible if you initially received less than the full duration you were eligible for (e.g., passport expiry shortened it).
- Processing time: 6–8 months. Even if you know it might be refused, applying can buy you valuable months to gain work experience for PR eligibility.
Why choose this over a visitor record?
- You can continue working during processing.
- Ideal if you need just a few more months to qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a PNP.

3. Start a New Study Program

Studying can extend your stay and, in some cases, directly lead to PR.

A. Programs That Lead to PR

Example: Early Childhood Education to qualify under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Caregiver Program.
Even if you don’t get a PGWP, completing the right study program can make you eligible for PR.

B. Study in Specific Regions for PR Advantage

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): Any two-year program in eligible communities gives strong PR prospects.
Ontario Masters Graduate Stream: A master’s degree from an Ontario public university can lead directly to PR, without Express Entry.

Top Universities for Both RNIP & Ontario Masters Graduate Stream:

Algoma University
Laurentian University
Lakehead University

4. Spousal Strategy (For Married Couples)

If you and your spouse are in Canada:

The spouse who was previously the secondary applicant can now study, allowing the other to receive a spousal open work permit.
Example:
- Husband studied first, wife had SOWP.
- Now wife studies (preferably a 2-year master’s), husband gets SOWP.
- This can create a 5-year combined stay window to secure PR.

5. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Secure a closed work permit through an employer with an approved LMIA.
Can be free if your employer is willing to sponsor, or purchased (not recommended but still common).
Must match your work experience to avoid refusal.

6. Choosing the Best Option for You

Situation	Best Option
Waiting for PR ITA	Visitor Record or Open Work Permit Extension
Need work experience for PR	Open Work Permit Extension
Already used PGWP	Targeted study program leading to PR
Married	Spousal study-work swap
Employer support	LMIA work permit