If you’re an international student who has just finished your studies in Canada, you might be wondering what to do when your Canada post-study work visa expires. This visa allows you to gain work experience in Canada after graduation, which is important for building your career. However, as your visa expiration date approaches, it’s essential to know your options for staying in Canada legally and continuing your career journey.
In this guide, we’ll explain what happens when your Canada Post-Study Work Visa expires, how it affects your status in Canada, and what steps you can take next.
Understanding the Canada Post-Study Work Visa
Let’s briefly review the Canada post-study employment visa before getting into what happens when your visa expires. Depending on how long they studied, this visa allows international students who have finished their studies in Canada to work there for a set period of time, usually up to three years.
Importance of the Canada Student Visa
To apply for the Canada post-study work visa, you first need a Canada student visa. This visa allows you to study at a recognized school in Canada. It’s crucial to keep your legal status while studying because it can affect your eligibility for the post-study work visa.
What Happens When Your Canada Post-Study Work Visa Expires?
1. Your Legal Status in Canada
Once your Canada post-study work visa expires, you can no longer work in Canada. What happens next depends on what you do before or after your visa runs out. If you stay in Canada without taking any action, you may find yourself in a difficult situation.
What to Do If Your Visa Expires
If your visa expires and you haven’t applied for a new one or an extension, you have a few options:
- Leave Canada: You must leave Canada as soon as your visa expires to avoid legal issues.
- Restore Your Status: If you apply to restore your status within 90 days of your visa expiration, you might be able to apply for another permit or visa.
2. Moving to Permanent Residency
If you want to stay in Canada after your Canada post-study work visa expires, becoming a permanent resident is a popular option for international graduates. Here’s how you can go about it:
Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is a common way to become a permanent resident in Canada for international graduates. You can apply through one of these programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for people with work experience in Canada. If you have gained skilled work experience during your Canada post-study work visa, you may qualify.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: This program is for those with foreign work experience and education. Your Canadian education and work experience can help you qualify.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces in Canada have their own immigration programs that allow them to nominate people for permanent residency based on local job needs. If you have work experience in a province, you might be eligible for this program.
How to Apply for Permanent Residency
To apply for permanent residency, you will need to gather some documents, including:
- Proof of work experience (like letters from employers or pay stubs)
- Educational credentials assessment
- Language proficiency test results (like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical exam results
3. Applying for a New Visa
If you plan to stay in Canada but your Canada post-study work visa has expired, you may also want to apply for another type of visa or permit. Here are a few options:
Visitor Visa
If your Canada post-study work visa has expired but you want to stay in Canada for leisure or to look for jobs, you can apply for a visitor visa. However, this does not allow you to work while in Canada. Be sure to apply for this visa before your current visa expires to maintain legal status.
Work Permit
If you get a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be able to apply for a work permit. In many cases, the employer will need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job.
4. Applying for a Study Permit
If you want to continue your education in Canada, you can apply for a new Canada Student Visa. This will let you study at another school and could help you extend your stay in Canada.
Steps to Apply for a Study Permit
- Choose an Educational Institution: Make sure the school is recognized by the Canadian government.
- Gather Required Documents: This may include proof of acceptance, proof of financial support, and a medical exam.
- Apply Online or Offline: Submit your application through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or through a paper application.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary, so apply as early as possible.
5. Stay in Good Standing
If you are in Canada, it’s important to keep a good standing with immigration authorities. Here are some tips:
- Know Your Visa Dates: Keep track of when your Canada post-study work visa and other permits expire.
- Apply Early: Start the application process well before your current status expires, whether you want a new visa or permanent residency.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on immigration policies that could affect your status.
Conclusion
The expiration of your Canada post-study work visa doesn’t have to mean the end of your time in Canada. By knowing your options—like applying for permanent residency, getting a new visa, or continuing your studies—you can keep building your life and career in this wonderful country.
