What Temporary Residents in Canada Should Do Before Their Permits Expire (2025–2026)
As Canada’s immigration system evolves, hundreds of thousands of temporary residents — including international graduates, workers, and visa holders — are facing a critical crossroads. With federal policies tightening, work and study permit conditions changing, and permanent-residence pathways becoming more selective, people with expiring status in 2025–2026 need a strategic roadmap to retain legal status and protect their future in Canada.
This guide breaks down all the most viable legal options for temporary residents, highlights potential risks, and explains how careful planning can keep your Canadian journey on track.
Why This Matters Now
Recent figures show that tens of thousands of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders will see their permits expire by the end of 2025. Many Canadians arrived on temporary status during record international student enrollment years, and now face a much stricter immigration environment.
At the same time, the federal government has indicated a shift toward reducing the proportion of temporary residents in the country — a move reflected in policy reforms and narrowing pathways. Canada.gc.ca
Top 10 Legal Options for Temporary Residents
Here are the most practical legal options temporary residents can consider before their status expires — including deadlines, eligibility, and what to prepare.
1. Apply for Permanent Residence (PR) Before Your Permit Expires
Obtaining PR before your work or study permit expires is ideal for many. While Express Entry and other streams remain the most common options, they are increasingly competitive and require careful profile building.
When this works best:
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You have a competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
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You’ve secured employment that could lead to a provincial nomination
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You have strong language results or in-demand work experience
**Tip: Submitting a permanent-residence application does not extend your temporary status — you must maintain valid status while it’s processed.
2. Get a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit lets you stay and work in Canada while your PR application is being processed — but only if your application is already submitted and complete.
Who qualifies:
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Inside Canada
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Work permit expiring within four months
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PR application complete
Who does not qualify:
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Applicants outside Canada
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Incomplete PR applications
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People applying under programs that don’t support BOWP
3. Switch to an LMIA-Supported Work Permit
Since PGWPs cannot be extended, many temporary residents seek new employer-specific work permits supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
Benefits:
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New work permit to stay legally employed
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Can strengthen Express Entry profiles
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May support future provincial nominations
Challenges:
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Employers may hesitate to apply for LMIAs
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Processing can be slower than desired
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Not all sectors offer strong LMIA support
4. Apply Through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial programs continue to be a major source of PR invitations, and provinces often prioritize workers with local experience and skills in demand.
Notable PNP streams (2025–2026):
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Ontario’s Employer Job Offer streams
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British Columbia Skills Immigration
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Alberta Advantage streams
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Manitoba Skilled Worker programs
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Nova Scotia labour-focused streams Immigration News Canada
Ideal for candidates who:
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Have at least six months of provincial work experience
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Work in priority sectors
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Have arranged employment
5. Apply for a Visitor Record
If there’s no immediate PR or work permit option, switching to visitor status can legally keep you in Canada while you plan your next step.
What to know:
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You cannot work as a visitor
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Can stay legally for up to six months (extendable)
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Buys time to prepare documentation or secure a job offer
6. Return to School (Study Permit)
Some temporary residents choose to enroll in additional programs and switch to a study permit, though reforms have made this more challenging.
Challenges after recent reforms:
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Study permit approval rates have decreased
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Many programs no longer lead to long-term work or PR pathways
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Proof of funds requirements are higher
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Master’s programs remain among the more viable options
7. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications
H&C applications are reserved for people who would face unusual hardship if required to leave Canada. This route is narrow and complex.
When H&C applies:
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Long-term establishment in Canada
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Strong community ties
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Well-founded risk in home country
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Best interests of a child in Canada Immigration News Canada
8. Refugee Protection (Asylum Claims)
This pathway is only appropriate for those who meet the legal definition of a refugee — not for general immigration strategy or economic motives.
Important: False or unfounded claims can lead to removal and future bans. Any asylum claim should be discussed with a licensed professional.
9. Restore Your Status (90-Day Window)
If your permit expires, IRCC may allow you to apply for restoration of status (as a worker, student, or visitor) within 90 days of expiry.
Key points:
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You cannot work unless given interim authorization
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Restoration must be applied for within the 90-day period
10. Leave Canada and Return Strategically
Some temporary residents choose to return home temporarily and re-enter Canada later under a new or reopened pathway.
Reasons to consider this:
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Improve language scores (e.g., French)
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Gain additional work experience
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Await targeted provincial or federal intake
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Adjust strategy if options inside Canada are limited
What Happens if You Overstay Your Permit?
Staying in Canada without valid status carries serious consequences:
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No legal right to work
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No access to most services
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Possible removal orders
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Future immigration applications can be negatively affected
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Risks of exploitation and limited legal protections
It’s essential for temporary residents to maintain status or apply to restore it within the allowed 90-day period.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
Canada’s immigration policy is becoming more selective. New programs planned for 2026 — including targeted TR-to-PR pathways and accelerated streams for specific workers — may offer additional opportunities for those who maintain legal status and prepare properly.
Planning early — with up-to-date documents, language test results, and clear eligibility strategy — remains critical for anyone facing permit expiration.
Need Help Planning Your Next Move?
If you’re a temporary resident in Canada and your permit is approaching expiry, navigating the maze of options can be overwhelming. A licensed Canadian immigration consultant can help you evaluate your situation, prioritize the best pathways, and prevent costly mistakes.
📍 GFK Immigration Inc
📌 Gboyega Esan — RCIC R708591
📞 +1 (647) 225-0092
✉️ gfkimmigrationconsultant@gmail.com
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📍 115 George St, Suite 224, Oakville, ON L6J 0A2