If your work permit in Canada is expiring soon and you donβt want to leave Canada without getting your Permanent Residency (PR), this is one of the most important pathways you must understand.
Many people believe that once their PGWP or work permit is nearing expiry, their options are over. That is not true.
You can extend your stay in Canada through study and, with the right strategy, still make your Canada PR possible.
In this blog, Globexa Immigration explains:
How single applicants can extend their stay and plan PR
How married applicants can extend their stay for up to 5 years
Why study is often safer than LMIA
How special category experience and French can secure PR even with a lower CRS score
1. Why Extending Stay Through Study Is a Smart Move
If you are already inside Canada, staying inside Canada legally is your biggest advantage.
By switching to or continuing on a study permit, you:
Avoid leaving Canada
Buy time to improve CRS score
Gain eligibility for special category Express Entry draws
Learn French for the French-language PR pathway
Keep working part-time legally
Study is not just education anymore β it is a strategic immigration tool.
2. Scenario 1: Single Applicant β How to Extend Stay & Get PR
1.Case 1: You Have Never Studied in Canada
If you have not studied in Canada earlier, you can:
Take a 2-year study program
Get a 3-year PGWP
Secure a total stay of 5 years in Canada
This gives you ample time to:
Gain Canadian experience
Improve CRS score
Apply through Express Entry, PNP, or special category draws
2. Case 2: You Have Already Studied in Canada (PGWP Used)
If you already studied in Canada and used your PGWP, you will not get PGWP again β but you can still extend your stay through study.
This is where many people get confused.
Key Point:
Studying again does NOT give PGWP, but it gives you legal stay inside Canada, which is extremely valuable.
3. What Type of Study Should You Choose?
Since PGWP is not available again, you should choose:
Low-cost
Easy to manage
Flexible or online programs
Examples:
Business Management
Marketing
General Management
UG or PG Diplomas
One-year programs (fees around CAD 10,000β12,000)
You donβt need to focus heavily on academics β the goal is extending stay, not qualification value.
3. Working During Study: The Hidden PR Advantage
While studying, you can work up to 24 hours per week.
Even though:
Work experience during study does NOT increase CRS points
It still helps in a very powerful way.
4. Special Category Draws: Healthcare & Education
Experience gained during study counts for eligibility under special category Express Entry draws.
Eligible Sectors:
Healthcare
Education
Common Jobs:
Nursing Assistant
Healthcare Assistant
Pharma Assistant
Early Childhood Assistant
Social Service Worker
1. How Much Experience Is Required?
6 months (780 hours total)
CRS score around 460β480
Experience must be in special category occupations
π Even without CRS points, this experience makes you eligible for PR invitations
5. Learn French During Study β The Game Changer
If you are studying online or in an easy program, you have time.
Use it wisely.
Why French Is Powerful:
B2 level French can give up to 60 CRS points
French draws often have cutoffs between 400β450
You already get points for:
Canadian study
Canadian work experience
Strategy:
Study French 4β5 hours daily
Reach B2 (CLB 9) in about one year
Apply under French-language Express Entry draws
π This is one of the most reliable PR pathways today
6. Scenario 2: Married Applicants β More Options, Longer Stay
If you are married, you have far more flexibility.
Option 1: Spouse Role Switch (Best Strategy)
If:
Husband studied earlier and used PGWP
Wife was on Spouse Open Work Permit
Now:
Wife studies 2-year Masterβs degree
Wife gets 3-year PGWP
Husband gets Open Work Permit extension
Result:
π 5 years of additional stay for the family
Option 2: Student Studying Again (No PGWP)
In some cases:
Student studies again for 2 years
No PGWP required
PR is planned through spouseβs job offer or PNP
This works when:
Employer support is confirmed
PR pathway is already clear
7. Why Study Is Often Better Than LMIA
Many people think LMIA is easier.
In reality, it is risky and uncertain.
Problems with LMIA:
Approval takes 6β8 months
Strict wage requirements
Workforce cap limits
Many NOC codes donβt support PR
Spouse Open Work Permit not guaranteed
Often involves high costs (CAD 30,000β40,000)
If LMIA is:
Not PR-supportive
Not free
Not available early
π Study is the safer option
8. Final PR Planning Strategy (Smart Approach)
At Globexa Immigration, we donβt give confusion β we give clear steps.
Step-by-Step:
Extend stay through study
Work in healthcare or education
Gain 6 months special category experience
Improve CRS to 460+
Learn French alongside
Apply through:
Special category draws
French pathway
Employer-driven PNPs
9. Can You Still Get PR with Low CRS?
Yes.
You do not need 520β530 CRS.
Options exist at:
460β480 (special category)
420β450 (French pathway)
What you need is:
β Correct guidance
β Proper planning
β Right occupation
β Smart timing
10. Need Personalized Guidance?
Every case is different.
If you:
Are inside Canada
Facing work permit expiry
Confused between LMIA or study
Want a clear PR roadmap
π Globexa Immigration can help you with a clear-cut PR strategy, not random options.
π Connect with us to discuss your case in detail and plan your Canada PR the smart way.
