Is Returning to School the Right Move When Your Canadian Work Permit Is Expiring?
Understanding Whether Studying Can Secure Your Future in Canada
As many temporary foreign workers in Canada approach the expiry of their work permits, a common question arises: Is enrolling in a Canadian study program a smart strategy to stay in the country and strengthen permanent residence prospects?
For some individuals, returning to school can be a strategic and well-timed decision that preserves legal status and improves immigration outcomes. For others, it can introduce financial strain and immigration risks if not carefully planned. With immigration policies continuing to evolve in 2026, understanding both the advantages and drawbacks is essential before making this transition.
When Studying Is a Strategic Immigration Move
Shifting from a work permit to a study permit tends to be a strong option when certain conditions are already in place.
This pathway can be beneficial if you:
- Are already eligible under a permanent residence stream or have submitted an Expression of Interest
- Plan to pursue a Canadian credential that clearly improves your CRS score or employability
- Are targeting a province with graduate-focused nomination streams
- Need a lawful way to remain in Canada while awaiting PR invitations or decisions
In these situations, studying acts as a bridge that maintains your legal status while strengthening your long-term immigration profile.
Situations Where Studying Can Be Risky
Despite its benefits, studying is not a universal solution.
This approach can be problematic if:
- You rely on full-time income to manage living expenses
- Your PR eligibility depends entirely on gaining additional full-time work experience while studying
- Your plan assumes eligibility for a second Post-Graduation Work Permit
Without careful planning, these factors can weaken both financial stability and immigration outcomes.
Your PR Profile Can Stay Active While You Study
One important clarification is that your permanent residence candidacy does not automatically end if your status changes from worker to student.
If you already have an active Express Entry profile, you may remain in the pool even after switching to a study permit, provided you continue to meet program requirements and your profile remains valid.
The same principle often applies to Provincial Nominee Programs, although some streams may impose specific conditions related to current or previous work or study status in the province.
This means that eligible candidates can still receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residence while studying in Canada.
How Canadian Education Can Boost CRS Scores
The Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System rewards Canadian education in several ways.
Completing a post-secondary credential in Canada can:
- Increase core education points
- Strengthen skill-transferability combinations
- Earn bonus points specifically for Canadian education
Under current rules, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada awards:
- 15 additional CRS points for a one- or two-year Canadian post-secondary credential
- 30 additional CRS points for a Canadian credential of three years or longer
These points can make a meaningful difference in competitive draws, especially when combined with strong language scores and Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nomination: The Biggest Advantage of Studying
For many candidates, the true value of studying lies not in CRS points but in access to Provincial Nominee Programs.
Graduating from a recognized institution in a province can unlock graduate-focused nomination streams. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which typically places a candidate at the top of the Express Entry pool and almost guarantees an invitation.
Several provinces offer pathways designed for international graduates, including programs in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. These streams often favor candidates who already have Canadian work experience combined with provincial education.
Applicants should note that some nomination streams may pause intake or invitations periodically, making advance research critical.
Study Permit Accessibility Is Improving for Some Applicants
Canada’s international student intake is governed by a cap system that requires many applicants to submit provincial or territorial attestation letters. However, recent developments suggest improved accessibility for certain groups.
Canada is currently admitting fewer international students than projected, which may improve approval chances for workers transitioning to student status. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions will be exempt from submitting provincial attestation letters.
While study permits are not guaranteed, these changes remove administrative barriers and reduce costs for graduate-level applicants.
Career Benefits Beyond Immigration
Canadian education does more than boost immigration scores. It can enhance long-term career prospects by improving employer recognition, opening access to internships or co-op programs, and supporting licensing pathways in regulated professions.
These career advantages can indirectly strengthen future eligibility for permanent residence programs by improving job stability and earning potential.
Key Trade-Offs to Consider Carefully
Transitioning from a work permit to a study permit significantly alters your ability to work.
International students are generally limited to part-time work during academic sessions and unrestricted work only during scheduled breaks. For individuals accustomed to full-time employment, this reduction can create serious financial pressure.
It is also important to understand that not all work performed while studying counts equally toward permanent residence. For example, student work experience does not qualify toward the Canadian Experience Class minimum requirements, although it may still count under certain Federal Skilled Worker selection criteria.
No Second Chance at a Post-Graduation Work Permit
A critical limitation is that the Post-Graduation Work Permit can only be issued once in a lifetime.
If you already received a PGWP after a previous program, completing another program will not restore eligibility for a second one. While studying may still help maintain legal status and strengthen PR prospects, it will not recreate the same open work authorization afterward.
Final Thoughts
Returning to school when your work permit is expiring can be a powerful immigration strategy—but only when aligned with a clear permanent residence plan. The decision should be based on eligibility, finances, long-term career goals, and provincial opportunities rather than urgency alone.
Careful planning can turn education into a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Poor planning can result in lost time, income, and opportunities.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
