Exploring your options to stay in Canada
If your work permit, study permit, or PGWP is ending, there are often several legal pathways to consider. We'll review them with you in one structured consultation.
What your consultation covers
Review of your current immigration status and expiry timeline
Eligibility overview across PR, work permit, study permit and visitor record
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) discussion if you have a PR application
LMIA, PNP and Express Entry strategy framing based on your profile
Implied / restoration of status explanation where relevant
Clear next steps and document preparation guidance
Pathways we typically review
Final eligibility and recommended strategy depend on your individual profile.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, apply at least 30 days before expiry. Implied status only applies if you submitted a valid application before your current permit expired.
If you applied before expiry under the same conditions, implied status may allow you to continue working until a decision is made. We'll review your specific situation.
Restoration of status may be available within 90 days of expiry. Timing is important — book a consultation as soon as possible.
Ready for a pathway review?
Book a consultation with a licensed advisor for a structured case assessment. We respond within one business day.
Disclaimer: Information only, not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances. Paid Canadian immigration advice or representation, where applicable, is provided only by authorized representatives (CICC-licensed RCIC or a member in good standing of a Canadian provincial law society).
Quick answer
How can I legally stay in Canada?
Staying in Canada legally requires valid status as a visitor, worker, student, permanent resident or protected person. Temporary status is extended by applying before the current status expires, which creates maintained status. Permanent options include Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program, family sponsorship or humanitarian applications. Each route has its own eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Quick summary
Options to stay fall into temporary and permanent categories. Temporary options include extending a work permit or study permit, obtaining a visitor record, or applying for an open work permit where eligible. Permanent options include Express Entry, provincial nomination, family sponsorship and humanitarian and compassionate applications. Applying before current status expires preserves maintained status and the right to continue working or studying under the same conditions. Missing an expiry date limits options to restoration within 90 days.
Key takeaways
- Valid status is required at all times to remain in Canada legally.
- Applying before expiry creates maintained status.
- Maintained status preserves the existing work or study conditions until a decision.
- A visitor record extends visitor status without work authorisation.
- Permanent options include Express Entry, provincial nomination and family sponsorship.
- Restoration of status is limited to 90 days after status is lost.
- Humanitarian and compassionate applications are discretionary.
Frequently asked questions
- What is maintained status?
- Maintained status applies when an extension is filed before the current permit expires, letting the applicant remain and continue the same activity until IRCC decides.
- Can visitor status be extended?
- Yes. A visitor record application filed before expiry extends visitor status, though it does not authorise work or study.
- Which permanent route is most common?
- Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program streams account for most economic permanent residence admissions, while family sponsorship covers close relatives.
Key terms explained
- Temporary resident status
- Lawful permission to be in Canada as a visitor, worker or student for a defined period. Status ends on the expiry date on your permit or record.
Continue with Stay in Canada
- Work permit expiryThe most common expiry scenario and its options.
- PGWP expiryGraduates approaching the end of their PGWP.
- Restoration of statusThe 90-day rescue route after a lapse.
- Express EntryThe permanent solution to a temporary problem.
- PNP finderProvincial nomination routes for workers already here.
- Book a consultationMap every option against your expiry timeline.
Your next step
Last reviewed on August 3, 2026 by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) at CAN-MIGRATE.
Official reference: IRCC — Immigration and citizenship (Canada.ca)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Program rules change — confirm details with IRCC or book a consultation before you apply.
Requirements marked as official reflect published IRCC guidance. Recommendations reflect our RCIC team's professional judgement. Explanations are editorial context and are not legal advice.
We re-review this page when:
- IRCC changes program requirements
- Processing times change significantly