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10 Options for Temporary Residents in Canada with Expiring Permits (2025–2026)

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > 10 Options for Temporary Residents in Canada with Expiring Permits (2025–2026)

Canada is entering a pivotal period for temporary residents, especially international students and foreign workers, as tens of thousands face expiring permits in 2025–2026. With stricter immigration policies, reduced PR targets, and tighter study permit rules, navigating the legal pathways to remain in Canada has never been more critical. According to IRCC data, 31,610 Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders will see their permits expire by the end of 2025, creating urgency to act before losing legal status.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best legal options for temporary residents, along with timelines, risks, and strategies for maintaining status.

1. Apply for Permanent Residency (PR) Before Your Permit Expires

Applying for permanent residency is the most straightforward solution for many temporary residents. Express Entry remains the dominant PR pathway, but competition has increased, and eligibility requirements are stricter.

Ideal candidates include:

  • Skilled workers in healthcare, trades, or education

  • Individuals with strong French language skills (CLB 7+)

  • Those who have secured employment for a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)

Note: Applying for PR does not provide implied status, so maintaining a valid permit while waiting for your application is crucial.

2. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A BOWP allows certain PR applicants to continue working while their permanent residency application is processed.

Eligibility:

  • Must already have submitted a complete PR application in Canada

  • Work permit expiring within four months

Limitations: Not available if applying from outside Canada or under programs that do not support BOWP.

3. LMIA-Supported Work Permit

Since PGWPs cannot be extended, many residents turn to employers offering LMIA-based work permits.

Advantages:

  • Provides a temporary work permit

  • Can improve CRS score for Express Entry

  • May lead to PNP nomination

Challenges: Employers may hesitate to obtain an LMIA, and processing times can be long.

In-demand sectors: Food services, transportation, hospitality, construction, caregiving, retail management.

4. Switch to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNPs remain one of the most effective PR pathways in Canada.

Strong programs in 2025–2026 include:

  • Ontario: OINP Employer Job Offer stream

  • British Columbia: BC PNP Skills Immigration

  • Manitoba: MPNP Skilled Worker

  • Nova Scotia: NSNP Experience & Labour Market Priorities

Ideal candidates: Skilled workers with at least 6 months of provincial work experience in in-demand sectors.

5. Apply for a Visitor Record

Switching to visitor status allows you to stay legally in Canada if no immediate work or PR options exist.

Key points:

  • Legal stay up to 6 months (extendable)

  • Cannot work while on visitor status

  • Provides time to prepare PR applications or secure LMIA job offers

6. Study Permit

Some temporary residents return to school to prolong their stay. Master’s programs remain the most feasible option due to federal caps on study permits.

Considerations:

  • Higher proof-of-funds requirements

  • Only programs at eligible institutions qualify for future PGWP eligibility

7. Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Applications

H&C applications are limited to individuals facing exceptional hardship if required to leave Canada, such as strong community ties, child welfare concerns, or risk in the home country. Approval rates are low, and it does not provide work authorization automatically.

8. Refugee Protection (Asylum)

Refugee claims are only valid for individuals facing real danger in their home country. Economic hardship alone is not sufficient. False claims can result in deportation and future inadmissibility.

9. Restoration of Status

IRCC allows a 90-day restoration period after a permit expires. Within this period, you can restore work, study, or visitor status. Failure to act within 90 days may result in removal orders.

10. Leave and Re-Enter Under a New Program

Some temporary residents leave Canada to strengthen their profile, gain foreign work experience, or learn French. Re-entering under a new program may provide a better chance for PR or work permit approval.

Consequences of Staying After Permit Expiry

Remaining in Canada without valid status has serious implications:

  • Cannot work or study legally

  • Risk of removal orders

  • Future PR, work, or visitor applications may be denied

Experts estimate close to one million individuals in Canada are out-of-status, leading to labour exploitation, wage suppression, and social instability.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

ICC Immigration assists temporary residents in navigating these complex pathways. We offer:

  • Permanent Residency Applications: Express Entry, PNPs, and other PR pathways

  • Work and Study Permits: Guidance on maintaining status while building your profile

  • Family Sponsorship: Reunite with relatives and secure PR

  • Expert Legal Advice: Compliance with current immigration rules and maximizing approval chances

Instead of taking risky asylum routes, ICC Immigration provides a stable, secure, and strategic path to permanent residency. Whether you are already in Canada or planning to arrive, we ensure your immigration journey is smooth and successful.