My Canadian Work Permit Is About to Expire—What Should I Do?
- Wei Zou
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
A Practical Guide for Work Permit Holders in Today’s Policy Climate
By Wei Zou, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
Every Canadian work permit holder knows that the day your permit expires is far more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a source of anxiety, uncertainty, and deep concern about your future. Whether you’re here on an employer-specific (LMIA) work permit, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) as an international graduate, or as a spouse of a student or worker, your legal status directly affects your career, stability, and immigration plans.
As a licensed immigration consultant, I help clients navigate this critical juncture every day. Even in a rapidly changing policy environment and a shifting labour market, there are still several practical and legal solutions for those facing expiring work permits.
✅ Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strongly recommends that you submit any extension or new permit application before your current one expires. Once you apply, you may be granted “Maintained Status”—which means you can continue to work legally while waiting for a decision.
Key Points:
If your work permit expires, you have 90 days to apply for restoration of status—but you cannot work during this period.
It’s always best to prepare and apply in advance to avoid falling out of status.
🔄 What New Permits Can I Apply For?
If your employer is willing to continue supporting you, or if you meet certain criteria, you may be able to:
Extend your current work permit (such as LMIA-based or exempt permits)
Change the type of work permit (e.g., from open to employer-specific, or vice versa)
Common application pathways:
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): If your spouse is an international student or holds a skilled work permit (TEER 0–3), you may qualify for an open work permit as their spouse.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): If you’ve already applied for permanent residence (such as Express Entry or PNP) and have received an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR), you can apply for a BOWP to continue working legally while you wait for a decision.
🎓 What If I Hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
The PGWP is a one-time, non-renewable permit, but in recent years IRCC has occasionally offered temporary extensions (such as an 18-month extension for those with expiring PGWPs in 2023).
Stay updated on IRCC announcements, or work with a licensed consultant to plan alternative strategies in case you’re not eligible for an extension.
🛤️ Accelerate Your PR Application—Now Is the Time
The expiry of your work permit is often the perfect moment to start or speed up your permanent residence (PR) application. Here are the most common options:
Express Entry: If you qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), or other streams, and have your language scores, jump into the pool as soon as possible.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Employer-driven or points-based PNPs often come with both a nomination and the opportunity for a new work permit.
Pilot Programs: If your job, industry, or region qualifies, explore pilot pathways (agriculture, rural and northern, Atlantic, etc.) that can lead directly to PR.
If you’ve already submitted a PR application, consult with an RCIC to see if you’re eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) to avoid any status gap.
⛔ Restoration of Status—A Last Resort
If your work permit has already expired and you didn’t apply for an extension or change before the expiry date, you have up to 90 days to apply for restoration of status.
Caution:
You cannot work while waiting for restoration.
Restoration is not guaranteed—it’s a riskier, last-resort move.
It’s always best to avoid needing restoration in the first place.
💼 The Role of an Immigration Consultant Is More Than Just Paperwork
As an RCIC, my job isn’t just filling out forms. I am your strategic partner for legal status in Canada. Here’s how I can help:
Evaluate whether you qualify for a new permit or temporary policy
Build a combined PR + work permit strategy to avoid work gaps
Identify regional or occupational immigration opportunities
Support employers with LMIA, compliance checks, and processes
Guide you through restoration of status if absolutely necessary
✨ Your Future Still Holds Possibilities
Don’t panic just because your work permit is about to expire. With early planning, professional advice, and well-prepared documentation, it is entirely possible to stay in Canada, keep working, and even achieve your immigration goals.
Remember: An immigration consultant isn’t just a quick fix, but a long-term partner in your journey to stability. Don’t wait until the last minute—let’s pave the way for your future together.
If you or your friends are facing work permit expiry, book a one-on-one consultation for status planning today.
📍 Richmond, BC or Online
By appointment only
WeChat: whyelva
WhatsApp: +1 604-719-5340
Author: Wei ZouRCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant)Specialist in status planning, employer sponsorship, and career-education pathways.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, please contact a licensed professional.
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