Hello, can I ask for some advice about my situation?
I finished a 3-year degree at university and then applied for a PGWP. My PGWP was issued on December 29, 2023 and it expires on October 21, 2025. It’s for just 1 year, 9 months, and 22 days - I think it’s shorter because my biometrics will expire on October 22, 2025.
I also applied for the MPNP and got nominated under the Non-Express Entry stream. I submitted my application for PR on November 5, 2024 but my status is still just "Submitted."
I’m worried my Work Permit will run out before I get my PR. If I want to stay and work in Canada longer, I have to extend my Work Permit. Should I wait until I receive AOR and apply for a BOWP or I should extend my PGWP now?
I’ve started drafting my Work Permit extension on the IRCC site, but I saw that I need a document saying “Proof that you Meet the Requirements of the Job Being Offered”. How can I get that if I extend my PGWP now?
Your situation involves multiple factors that need careful planning to avoid a gap in status and to ensure you can continue working in Canada while waiting for your PR.
1. Why Your PGWP Is Shorter
• Your PGWP expiry date is based on your passport’s expiry date, not your biometrics. Double-check if your passport expires on October 22, 2025. If that’s the case, you can extend your PGWP to reflect the full 3 years once you renew your passport.
Steps to Extend PGWP Based on Passport:
• Renew your passport as soon as possible.
• Once you receive your new passport, apply to extend your PGWP by providing:
• A letter of explanation.
• Copy of the renewed passport.
• Copy of the original PGWP and explanation of why it was shorter.
If your passport is valid beyond October 2025, the shortened PGWP may be due to an error. In that case, raise a webform with IRCC to clarify.
2. Should You Wait for a BOWP or Extend PGWP Now?
Option 1: Apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• A BOWP allows you to work while waiting for PR.
• To apply, you need an AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt) from your PR application. Since you submitted your PR application on November 5, 2024, you should receive your AOR soon (most PR applicants receive it within 3-4 months)
Option 2: Extend PGWP Now
• If you don’t receive your AOR in time and your PGWP is close to expiring, you can extend your work permit under the employer-specific LMIA-exempt category (if applicable) or wait until your PR application progresses further.
• For this extension, you’d need:
• A valid job offer.
• An LMIA-exempt work permit support letter (if tied to your employer).
• Proof that you meet the job requirements
3. Recommendation: Prioritize PGWP Extension
Given your current timeline, your best course of action is:
1. Renew your passport now to address the short validity of your PGWP.
2. Wait for your AOR and apply for a BOWP when it becomes available.
3. If your AOR is delayed and you risk losing status, extend your PGWP based on your renewed passport.