Nearly 1 million workers in Canada will have their work permits expire in 2024-2025, but there is no clear path to becoming permanent residents (PR).
A recent statistical table was published by a lawyer. Steven Meurrens highlights a worrying reality: 962,540 workers in Canada will have their work permits expire in 2024 or 2025, but there is no clear path to becoming permanent residents (PR).
These figures do not include provincial nominees who already have work permits linked to their permanent residency applications, but only count workers without a pathway to PR , meaning they do not have a clear path to permanent residency.
1. Ontario and BC: Two temporary epicenters of the immigration crisis.
- Ontario accounts for over half a million affected workers , with more than 218,000 of them set to have their work permits expire in 2024.
- British Columbia follows with 176,450 people .
These two provinces have a high concentration of international workers, graduate students, and dependents under open work permit programs. However, immigration quotas are insufficient, leaving hundreds of thousands stranded.
2. The weary belief: "Staying long enough will guarantee permanent residency."
One of the common beliefs that many international workers bring with them when they come to Canada is:
"If I work hard and stay long enough, I will have a chance to become a permanent resident."
However, immigration policies don't always support this belief. Currently, options available to those not eligible for the PNP or Express Entry programs include:
🔹 Home Caregiver Immigration Pilots
- It will open on March 31, 2025.
- Requirements include: relevant experience or training, English/French proficiency, and a job offer letter.
- Disadvantage: Not everyone is eligible or can find a suitable employer.
🔹 Start-Up Visa (SUV)
- It is a federal business immigration program.
- Advantages: No high English/French language requirements, no age limit , can apply for an Open Work Permit for up to 3 years, including family.
- Challenge: We need to participate in an innovative startup project that can convince IRCC and has relatively strong financial capacity to pursue the project.
👉 If you are currently on a work permit but do not yet have a clear immigration plan , it is essential to explore options early. Waiting too long could cause you to lose the opportunity to change your status legally when your work permit expires.
📅 Book a free consultation appointment: HERE
You can schedule a consultation with our team of experts to receive:
✅ Analyze profiles and assess strengths and weaknesses
✅ We advise on suitable immigration options (SUV, caregiver, PNP, etc.)
✅ Guide to preparing necessary finances and documents
Canada may be the land of promise – but only if you have a clear map.