Canada PGWP Expiry: Why Students Are Applying for Visitor Visas & Facing Rejection

Thousands of international students in Canada, whose Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) are nearing expiration, are grappling with uncertainty. Previously, the path from PGWP to Permanent Residency (PR) was more straightforward. However, with Canada tightening its immigration policies, many students are now left with few options.

In a desperate attempt to extend their stay, some have turned to visitor visas. Unfortunately, experts strongly advise against this approach, citing potential risks of visa refusal, deportation, and long-term immigration complications.

Understanding the Visitor Visa: A Temporary Solution with Major Risks

A visitor visa allows individuals to stay in Canada for up to six months, though border officers may grant shorter or longer durations. However, this visa does not permit employment, making it an ineffective solution for students who wish to work and support themselves. Due to previous approval trends, many PGWP holders assumed applying for a visitor visa would be a simple fix. However, the current immigration climate has made this strategy increasingly risky.

Why Experts Warn Against Applying for a Visitor Visa

Gurpreet Singh, an immigration expert from Kapurthala, explains that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been rejecting visitor visa applications at high rates—especially for students attempting to extend their stay after their PGWP expires. He warns, “Applying for a visitor visa after your PGWP expires signals to immigration officials that you may be trying to overstay illegally. This significantly reduces approval chances and could even lead to deportation.”

Furthermore, visa refusals create long-term immigration issues. Once a person is denied a visitor visa, it becomes much harder to obtain any future Canadian visa, including work permits or PR applications. Experts stress that students should avoid taking this risk and instead explore safer, more reliable options.

How the Online Immigration System Impacts Visitor Visa Applications

With IRCC’s online system, all immigration records are easily accessible. If an applicant’s PGWP has expired or is about to expire, this information is immediately visible. This transparency makes it difficult to justify a visitor visa application, as immigration officials can quickly assess whether the applicant is attempting to overstay.

“Without valid status, applying for a visitor visa only puts you at risk,” warns Singh. “If your visa is refused, you could face deportation, which would severely impact future immigration applications.”

Alternative Legal Pathways for Expiring PGWP Holders

Rather than risking a visitor visa application, students should consider these legal pathways to remain in Canada:

1. Pursuing Further Studies

One of the best ways to extend legal status in Canada is to reapply for a study permit and enroll in a new program. Taking courses in an in-demand field can improve job prospects while allowing students to remain in Canada legally.

2. Securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Job Offer

An LMIA job offer proves that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for a particular position. Obtaining an LMIA-approved job offer can enable students to apply for a new work permit, improving their chances of obtaining PR.

3. Exploring Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Many provinces offer immigration pathways through PNPs. Students should research whether their qualifications match provincial requirements, as this can be a viable route to permanent residency.

4. Strengthening PR Applications

Tirath Singh of Pinnacle Immigration advises students nearing the end of their PGWP to focus on strengthening their PR applications early. “Enhancing work experience, gaining in-demand certifications, and targeting industries with high labor shortages can boost PR chances,” he explains.

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