Extending your stay in Canada as an international student can open up a wealth of opportunities, both professionally and personally. Canada’s welcoming immigration policies, high quality of life, and strong job market make it an attractive option for students looking to build their futures. Whether you aim to gain valuable work experience, continue your studies, or explore pathways to permanent residency, understanding the various options available to you is crucial. This guide will explore the different ways you can extend your stay in Canada, helping you to make informed decisions about your next steps.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
To be eligible for a Post-graduation work permit Canada, you must have completed a study program that is at least eight months long at an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). Once you receive your final marks, you have 180 days to apply for your PGWP. It’s important to make sure your study permit is still valid when you apply, or you should have been in Canada with a valid status during those 180 days.
The length of your work permit will depend on the length of your study program. If your program was between eight months and two years, your PGWP will be valid for the same length of time as your program. If your program was two years or longer, you could get a PGWP for up to three years.
Applying for a PGWP is straightforward. You need to submit an application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You will need to provide documents like proof of your graduation, your passport, and a digital photo. There is also an application fee to be paid.
Getting a PGWP is a great way to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can help if you decide to apply for permanent residency in the future. It also allows you to stay in Canada, explore job opportunities, and experience life in the country after your studies.
Keep in mind that you can only apply for a PGWP once in a lifetime. This means that if you use your PGWP after you graduate from a program, but decide to go back to school for another program, you cannot apply for another PGWP. So, if you are interested in extending your stay in Canada, it’s best to make the most of it once you have applied.
Further Studies
If you have completed a year program in Canada and wish to extend your stay by applying for a study permit extension Canada, it is best not to apply for your PGWP yet. This way, you get to accumulate more study years and you can get a three-year PGWP. When applying for the second study, go for a Master’s program that may give you more points when you apply for Permanent residency for international students Canada. Consider programs that are more favourable for provincial nominee programs like Ontario’s Masters Graduate stream and even the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program under the Express Entry System.
Even if you have already applied for your PGWP and have not been able to secure a job yet, you can still apply for another degree before the permit expires. This time, apply for an in-demand area of study to increase your chances of immediate job security after graduation. Because you have already used your PGWP permit which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you will not be able to apply for another one after graduation. Hence, you should apply to a program that increases your chances of getting a job or Permanent Residency.
Generally, extending your stay in Canada not only allows you to stay in the country longer but also enhances your academic and professional qualifications. This can improve your chances of securing better job opportunities in Canada or even applying for permanent residency in the future. Plus, it gives you more time to experience life in Canada and build connections in your field of study.
Note that it’s best to start the Canada student visa extension process early. This will ensure that there’s enough time to get all the necessary paperwork done before your current study permit expires.
Visitor Record
If you’re unsure how to extend visa in Canada as a student after your studies, a visitor record might be a good temporary option. This is similar to the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). However, while you apply for a TRV from outside the country, you can apply for a visitor record from within Canada. Both visas allow you to stay temporarily in Canada for up to six months. To apply for a Visitor Record, you need to submit an application online before your current permit expires.
Note that the Visitor Record option does not allow you to work or study. But it gives you valuable extra time to enjoy Canada, travel, or prepare for your next steps, whether that’s another study program, a job application, or a return home.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Work Permit
If you are married or in a common-law relationship and you have a valid study or work permit in Canada, you can extend your stay by asking your partner to apply for an open work permit. This permit allows your partner to work for any employer in Canada and doesn’t require a specific job offer beforehand. To be eligible, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
The application process involves submitting proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation for common-law partners. You’ll also show proof of your study permit among other documents. There is an application fee that you have to pay as well.
Once your partner has their open work permit, they can stay in Canada and work for any employer. When you eventually graduate from your studies, you can also apply for a work permit as their spouse or common-law partner.
Benefits of Extending Your Stay in Canada After Studies
Gaining Work Experience
Staying in Canada after your studies allows you to gain valuable work experience in a Canadian environment. This experience can enhance your resume, making you more attractive to future employers both in Canada and globally. Programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) provide you with the opportunity to work for up to three years, giving you ample time to build your career.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many international students who extend their stay use it as a stepping stone towards obtaining permanent residency. Canadian work experience gained through programs like the PGWP can significantly boost your chances of qualifying for permanent residency through programs such as Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Better Job Opportunities
Canada has a strong job market with opportunities across various industries. By extending your stay, you can tap into these opportunities and potentially secure a job in your field of study. Canadian employers often value candidates with Canadian education and work experience, giving you a competitive edge.
Building a Professional Network
Staying in Canada longer allows you to expand your professional network. You can connect with colleagues, industry professionals, and mentors who can provide guidance, job referrals, and support in your career development. Networking is crucial for career advancement and can lead to new job opportunities.
High Quality of Life
Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices. By staying longer, you can enjoy the benefits of living in a country with excellent healthcare, safety, and social services. The country’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities also contribute to a high quality of life.
Stability and Security
Extending your stay in Canada can provide a sense of stability and security as you transition from student life to professional life. It allows you to establish a routine, secure housing, and settle into a community.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can I stay in Canada after my study permit expires?
You can stay in Canada for up to 90 days after your study permit expires. During this 90-day period, you must apply for restoration of status if you wish to continue staying legally. If you do not apply within these 90 days, you will have to leave Canada.
2. What if I want to continue my studies?
If you want to continue your studies, you can apply for a new study permit. You must be accepted into a new program at a DLI and provide proof of acceptance, financial support, and other required documents.
3. Can I apply for permanent residency after studying in Canada?
Yes, Canadian work experience gained through a PGWP can help you qualify for permanent residency through programs such as Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Thereby extending your stay in Canada.
4. How long does it take to process a PGWP application?
Processing times for PGWP applications vary. It can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the volume of applications and other factors. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
5. Can I travel outside Canada while my PGWP application is being processed?
You can travel outside Canada while your PGWP application is being processed, but you must ensure you have valid status to re-enter Canada. If your study permit expires while you are outside Canada, you may need to apply for a visitor visa to return.
6. What are my options if my PGWP application is refused?
If your PGWP application is refused, you may have the option to apply for restoration of status within 90 days if your study permit has expired. Alternatively, you can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay as a visitor while you explore other options.
Conclusion
We have discussed the different options for extending your stay in Canada as an international student as well as the benefits. By exploring options such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit, further studies, Spouse or Common-Law Partner Work Permit, or Visitor Record, you can continue to enjoy all that Canada has to offer while advancing your career and personal growth. Each pathway has its own set of requirements and advantages, allowing you to choose the one that best aligns with your goals. With careful planning and a clear understanding of the processes involved, you can successfully extend your stay and take full advantage of the opportunities available to you in Canada.
