If your passport and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) are expiring in May 2025 and you haven’t received the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) , it’s a good idea to prepare in advance.
1. Renewing Your Passport: It’s generally advisable to renew your passport well in advance of its expiration, especially if it expires within the next six months, as IRCC usually requires a valid passport for the duration of processing. Renewing it now shouldn’t delay the process, but after receiving your AOR, you should inform IRCC about your new passport details to avoid any delays or confusion later on.
2. Renewing Your PGWP: Since PGWPs are generally non-renewable, if your PR application is still pending close to May 2025, you might need to look into options like a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which allows you to continue working in Canada while waiting for your PR decision. However, the BOWP requires that you have an AOR, so once you receive it, you can apply for the BOWP, if eligible.
• Renew your passport soon and update IRCC after your AOR.
• For your PGWP, look into a BOWP if your PR is still in progress by the time your current permit nears expiry.
I read your response with interest as my PGWP is also expiring Dec 31, 2024 because the validity was restricted due to passport expiry. I renwed passport and applied for PGWP extension. Is that no longer an option? Also I applied online, some commenters on the forum advised applying on paper but others have had theres renew online. I am still awaiting for PGWP renewal, I submitted beginning of July. Should i apply for a BOWP instead?