By Preet Gill,
Special to The Post

For many international students in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is their perceived route to Canadian permanent residence (PR). The PGWP was first introduced in 2005 and allows graduates from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) the opportunity to obtain an open work permit and to gain Canadian work experience. Historically, international students have obtained PGWPs to gain Canadian work experience and then transition from temporary status to PR. However, currently, many international students in Canada find themselves in a position where they do not qualify for permanent residence by the time their PGWP expires.

If you’re currently in Canada pursuant to a PGWP, it is essential that you strategically plan your timing to qualify for one of Canada’s permanent residence programs. Here’s what you should focus on while you have a PGWP:

Language Proficiency: Prioritize improving your English, and yes, your French too! Two languages are better than one. Strong language skills in both official languages can give you a competitive edge when trying to qualify for PR.

Work Experience: Gain skilled work experience in Canada. Ideally, you want to gain experience in an in-demand occupation. Take a look at the occupations listed under the BC PNP or Express Entry category-based draws for guidance.

It is also important to keep detailed records of your employment in Canada, such as employment reference letters and pay stubs. See our previous blog, Immigration Essentials ・ Getting the Reference Letter Right!・ here: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/immigration-essentials-getting-the-reference-letter-right/

Consider all of your options: In addition to the Express Entry streams, there are other PR pathways you may want to consider, including the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). These programs each have their own eligibility requirements and advantages, so it's worth reviewing the comparative chart on the IRCC痴 website to determine which option best aligns with your experience and long-term goals:https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/path-to-pr.html

If your PGWP is close to expiring and you haven稚 qualified for PR yet ・ don稚 panic. No one can take away the Canadian work education and work experience you致e already earned. If your long-term goal is to stay in Canada, returning to your home country for a few years to gain foreign work experience and/or obtain a foreign degree can be a strategic move. The combination of Canadian work experience and education, and foreign work experience and education, topped off with strong language test scores, is often the 'sweet spot' that helps applicants achieve a higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and secure an invitation to apply for PR through Express Entry. To learn more about recent Express Entry trends, you can read our previous blog post here: https://canadian-visa-lawyer.com/immigration-prospects-by-the-numbers-express-entry-trends-you-need-to-know/

If you have not yet graduated or applied for your PGWP, you may want to consider NOT applying at this time, as you can only ever obtain one PGWP. PR status in Canada is currently more difficult to obtain than it has been in decades. Returning to your home country for further education or work experience may be advisable if PR is your ultimate goal. After gaining additional education, work experience, or both, consider returning to Canada for graduate studies and THEN applying for your PGWP. Remember the 壮weet spot・ and the significant CRS boost that foreign education and work experience can provide. In today's competitive immigration environment, this may be the best path to PR.

To be able to continue working after your PGWP expires, you may wish to apply for a different type of work permit. For example, you might be able to obtain an employer-specific work permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). In this scenario, a Canadian employer would need to demonstrate that there is a genuine need to hire a temporary foreign worker for the role. Once the LMIA is approved, you could apply for a work permit that is tied to that employer. Also, depending on your age and country of origin, you may be eligible for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, available to citizens of 36 countries.

Another option is to return to studies. By enrolling in a program at a DLI, you may become eligible for a new study permit. This could allow you to remain in Canada legally while upgrading your skills or obtaining additional qualifications, which could enhance your future employment or PR prospects. Or, if you can demonstrate French language skills, you may qualify for a Francophone mobility work permit. This type of work permit allows Canadian employers, outside of Quebec,  to hire you without a LMIA.

In all cases, timing is crucial. You must submit any new application before your PGWP expires, ideally 8-12 months in advance, to preserve your legal status in Canada. Planning ahead and understanding your options can make all the difference in staying on track toward your goal of obtaining PR status in Canada.

Preet Gill is an Associate Lawyer at Sas & Ing Immigration Law Centre in Vancouver, BC. She is committed to assisting clients with their immigration and residency goals in Canada. You can reach Preet by email at preet@sasanding.com or call her at 1-604-689-5444.