PGWP extension

Most people can't. This permit is granted once, and you can't get a second one for a new program, even if you go back to school.

An expiring passport changes things. A PGWP lasts only as long as your passport stays valid, which means some graduates receive less time than their program would normally give. If that's your situation, you can ask for the time you lost.

The time available depends on your program. Eligible programs lasting 2 years or more can lead to a 3-year permit. Since February 15, 2024, eligible master's programs lasting at least 8 months can also lead to 3 years. Other eligible programs lasting 8 months to under 2 years can lead to a permit lasting up to the program's length.

1. Get a new passport that covers the full time you qualified for. Anything less, and the new permit may be cut short once again.
2. Include a letter explaining that your original permit was shorter than the time you qualified for because your passport was expiring.
3. Send in a paper application with the letter enclosed. For this extension, you don't need proof of language ability.

Right now, extending a work permit from within Canada takes roughly 121 days.

Look at the expiry date printed on your permit. That's the date you must stop working.

What you do next depends on your plans. You could apply for a different permit, apply to remain as a visitor or get ready to leave. Each route has its own form, fee and waiting time, and your application has to go in before your permit expires. Call us and a consultant will go through your dates and options with you today, so your application goes in before your permit runs out.

For those in Express Entry, a bridging open work permit may let you keep working. It covers the gap while Canada decides your permanent residence case. You qualify only if every one of these applies:

• you've already submitted your Express Entry permanent residence application and it's awaiting a decision
• your work permit runs out within 4 months
• you're in Canada and still hold valid status

Just having an Express Entry profile doesn't qualify you. An invitation to apply isn't guaranteed, since it hinges on your score and ranking.

If working isn't in your plans but you'd like to stay in Canada, a visitor record is the way to go: it lets you remain here as a visitor.

There's still a window: you can ask to restore your status within 90 days. Restoration is simply a request to regain legal status once your permit has lapsed. For a worker, the cost is $401.25, made up of a $246.25 restoration charge plus the $155 work permit fee. Applying for an open work permit adds the $100 holder fee on top.

Once 90 days pass, restoration is off the table. You'd need to leave Canada and apply from outside the country before working here again. If your 90 days are already ticking, call us now, and a consultant can help you get your restoration request in while it's still possible.