OINP process in progress and work permit expired

[coco31]

Hello everyone,

I would really appreciate some guidance on my current immigration situation in Ontario. I am trying to understand my options clearly before making any final decisions.

Personal profile​

• Currently working full-time as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in Ontario since 2023
• Have been continuously employed with the same employer
• I am in Canada with my husband and two children (all dependents are in Canada)

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Work permit / status situation​

• My Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) expired on May 25, 2026
• I am currently evaluating my options to maintain legal status in Canada (restoration vs visitor record vs other options)
• I am concerned about how changing status might affect my immigration applications

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OINP (Employer Job Offer – Foreign Worker Stream)​

• First invitation: February 2026 (returned due to missing passport document)
• Second ITA received: April 8, 2026
• Application submitted: April 22, 2026
• Current status: submitted / in process
• Employer is supportive and job is still ongoing (ECE position)

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Francophone Mobility Program (Work permit pathway)​

• Employer compliance fee paid: May 7, 2026
• Applications submitted: May 18–22, 2026 (for me and my family)
• Received WP extension letter valid until approx. May 2027 or decision
• However, my application was refused on May 25, 2026 due to French speaking/listening scores below NCLC 5

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Express Entry​

• Active CEC profile
• CRS score: approximately 427–432
• No ITA received yet

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Main concerns​

• My PGWP is expired and I want to avoid migration problems.
• I am unsure if changing to visitor status would negatively affect my OINP application since I will be under restoration period.
• I want to understand if I can remain in Canada while waiting for OINP decision
• I am also unsure about maintaining status or restoration options and their impact on PR pathway
• My family is fully dependent on my immigration situation

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My goal​

• Maintain legal status in Canada
• Successfully obtain PR through OINP (main priority)
• Avoid jeopardizing my current application while transitioning status if needed

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Any advice or insights from people who have been in a similar situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Naturgrl]

1. You stop working. Same for spouse if work permit expired.
2. You are out of status so restore to visitor.
3. What OINP stream? If ISS, then you may no longer eligible for the stream because...You must be employed in the approved employment position as of the date of your nomination, if you are already working for the employer. You don't even have a work support letter to apply for a closed work permit (T13). You have to notify OINP and employer must too that you are no longer employed and your work permit expired.

Seek guidance from a lawyer. Learn French to CLB 7.

 

[TorontoUSer2024]

In this situation after restoring the status,can we apply for work permit if employer is willing to offer the job and do LMIA?

 

[Naturgrl]

In this situation after restoring the status,can we apply for work permit if employer is willing to offer the job and do LMIA?

Are you OINP ISS or FSW?

Does employer have LMIA? They need to post job for a few months and prove that no Canadian/PR or person on valid work permit applied. Then need to file LMIA and can take so many months. Then you leave and apply outland as you cannot restore and apply inside Canada.

 

[coco31]

1. You stop working. Same for spouse if work permit expired.
2. You are out of status so restore to visitor.
3. What OINP stream? If ISS, then you may no longer eligible for the stream because...You must be employed in the approved employment position as of the date of your nomination, if you are already working for the employer. You don't even have a work support letter to apply for a closed work permit (T13). You have to notify OINP and employer must too that you are no longer employed and your work permit expired.

Seek guidance from a lawyer. Learn French to CLB 7.

We stopped working already. I applied for the foreign worker stream. Do I have to be working at the moment of the nomination? Can I still wait from outside Canada?

 

[coco31]

Are you OINP ISS or FSW?

Does employer have LMIA? They need to post job for a few months and prove that no Canadian/PR or person on valid work permit applied. Then need to file LMIA and can take so many months. Then you leave and apply outland as you cannot restore and apply inside Canada.

I am FWS. Employer does not have LmIA. Is better to restore status and keep waiting for answer from OINP? Do you know if I will still be a candidate if I leave Canada under FWS?