Navigating Post-Graduate Work Permit for Expired Student Work Permit: What Are Your Options?

 As an international student, Canada offers many opportunities to gain valuable work experience after graduation through its Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. However, what happens when your student work permit expires before you are able to apply for a PGWP? In this blog post, we will explore the options available to international students who find themselves in this situation.

First, let's understand what the PGWP program is all about.

What is a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

A PGWP is a work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution. This work permit allows them to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation for a duration of up to three years, depending on the length of their study program.

The PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency.

What happens if your Student Work Permit expires before you can apply for a PGWP?

Ideally, international students should apply for a PGWP before their student work permit expires. However, if the student work permit expires before the PGWP application is submitted, the student may still be eligible to apply for a PGWP. In such a scenario, the student would need to apply for a restoration of their status as a student and subsequently apply for the PGWP.

What is Restoration of Status?

Restoration of status is a process that allows international students to restore their status within 90 days of their student work permit expiration date. This means that the student can remain in Canada while their application for restoration of status is being processed, but they cannot work until they receive their new student work permit.

It is important to note that restoration of status is not the same as an extension of the student work permit. If a student applies for a restoration of status, they must also apply for a new student work permit, which will be issued with a new expiration date.

Applying for a Post-Graduate Work Permit after Restoration of Status

Once a student has successfully restored their status, they can then apply for a PGWP. The application process is the same as for any other international student who has graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution, provided that they meet the program's eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

International students who find themselves in a situation where their student work permit has expired before they can apply for a PGWP should not lose hope. Restoration of status is an option that allows them to remain in Canada and apply for a new student work permit, and subsequently, a PGWP. However, it is important to note that restoration of status can be a complex process, and it is advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer or consultant to ensure that the application is successful.