Canadian Work Permits Expiring in 2026: What International Students in Canada Must Do Now

Canadian work permits expiring in 2026 are not a future problem — they are a planning emergency happening right now.

According to IRCC data, about 1.4 million Canadian work permits will expire in 2026, with more than half expiring before June.

Sources:
VisaHQ – 14 Million Work Permits Expiring
Canadim – What Temporary Residents Should Know

This creates a bottleneck in Canada’s immigration system:

• Slower processing

• Higher refusal rates

• Fewer last-minute options

If you are a study permit holder, PGWP graduate, or temporary worker in Canada, this directly affects you.

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Why 2026 Is a High-Pressure Year

Canada issued record numbers of temporary work permits post-COVID to meet labour shortages. Now many of these permits are expiring at the same time, while the government reduces temporary resident numbers.

Source: Canada.ca – Temporary Foreign Worker Program

This creates a simple reality:

The people who stay won’t be the lucky ones. They’ll be the ones who plan early and act strategically.

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Your Real Options Right Now

If your study permit or PGWP expires in 2025 or 2026, here’s what you can do:

1️⃣ LMIA Low-Wage Work Permit (Currently Open)

• Available now for eligible employers

• Leads to legal work status, Canadian experience, and PR opportunities

Learn more: RS Immigration – LMIA Vancouver 2026

⚠️ Note: Must be structured properly to avoid refusal.

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2️⃣ Express Entry Profile (Direct PR)

• Use your Canadian education + skilled work experience + language score

• Enter Express Entry before your permit expires

• Positions you ahead of the 2026 bottleneck

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3️⃣ Business Immigration (C11 Work Permit)

• For entrepreneurs or business owners

• No LMIA required

• Builds a long-term PR strategy

Details: RS Immigration – C11 Work Permit

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4️⃣ TR-to-PR Pathways (Don’t Give Up Hope)

• IRCC has signaled TR-to-PR options in 2026

• Temporary residents can still transition to permanent residency if status is maintained

Learn more: RS Immigration – TR to PR

⚠️ Falling out of status eliminates access to these programs.

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The Difference Between Staying and Leaving

It’s not luck. It’s not effort. It’s timing + execution.

With Canadian work permits expiring in 2026, waiting is the riskiest move you can make.

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Act Now: RS Immigration Can Help

If your study permit, PGWP, or work permit expires in 2025/2026, now is the time to act.

📞 Call or WhatsApp: 778-229-0796
🌐 Visit: www.rsimmigration.com

We help with:

• Study permit and PGWP planning

• LMIA work permits

• Business immigration (C11)

• Express Entry strategies

• TR-to-PR pathways

Don’t guess. Don’t wait. Get a winning plan now.