Work Permit Expiring Feb 2026 - Advice on Extension, Visitor, Study, or French

[Anonymous_user_]

Hi everyone,

I’m in Canada on a work permit that expires in February 2026. My current CRS score is 518, and I also have a TRV valid until Aug 2026. I want advice on maintaining legal status and improving PR chances.
I plan to apply for a work permit extension by the end of January 2026. While it’s processing, I’m considering three options:
Option 1- Work Permit Extension + Visitor Record (Backup)

• Apply for the work permit extension first. If the work permit extension is refused, apply for a Visitor Record when my restoration period starts.

Option 2- Work Permit Extension + Study

• Apply for the work permit extension. While waiting, I could apply for a study permit for the Fall or Summer intake.
• Unsure if completing the course will meaningfully improve CRS points or PR chances. If I don’t receive an ITA after the course, I will need to consider alternative status or PR pathways.

Option 3- Learning French

• Considering starting French to increase CRS points or qualify for French-specific provincial streams. Questions: Are there French courses that allow a study permit and are offered by a DLI-approved college?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi everyone,

I’m in Canada on a work permit that expires in February 2026. My current CRS score is 518, and I also have a TRV valid until Aug 2026. I want advice on maintaining legal status and improving PR chances.
I plan to apply for a work permit extension by the end of January 2026. While it’s processing, I’m considering three options:
Option 1- Work Permit Extension + Visitor Record (Backup)

• Apply for the work permit extension first. If the work permit extension is refused, apply for a Visitor Record when my restoration period starts.

Option 2- Work Permit Extension + Study

• Apply for the work permit extension. While waiting, I could apply for a study permit for the Fall or Summer intake.
• Unsure if completing the course will meaningfully improve CRS points or PR chances. If I don’t receive an ITA after the course, I will need to consider alternative status or PR pathways.

Option 3- Learning French

• Considering starting French to increase CRS points or qualify for French-specific provincial streams. Questions: Are there French courses that allow a study permit and are offered by a DLI-approved college?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

1. How are you eligible for work permit extension? If refused, you will leave Canada. Rules changed about restoring status.
2. You need study permit approval which will be a challenge. Have to justify costs with career and education progression when you return home. IRCC knows you are just trying not to leave.
3. Take through Alliance Fr. Do you know any French? Need to research schools but few, and again need to justify why you have to stay in Canada.

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I’m in Canada on a work permit that expires in February 2026. My current CRS score is 518, and I also have a TRV valid until Aug 2026. I want advice on maintaining legal status and improving PR chances.
I plan to apply for a work permit extension by the end of January 2026. While it’s processing, I’m considering three options:
Option 1- Work Permit Extension + Visitor Record (Backup)

• Apply for the work permit extension first. If the work permit extension is refused, apply for a Visitor Record when my restoration period starts.

Option 2- Work Permit Extension + Study

• Apply for the work permit extension. While waiting, I could apply for a study permit for the Fall or Summer intake.
• Unsure if completing the course will meaningfully improve CRS points or PR chances. If I don’t receive an ITA after the course, I will need to consider alternative status or PR pathways.

Option 3- Learning French

• Considering starting French to increase CRS points or qualify for French-specific provincial streams. Questions: Are there French courses that allow a study permit and are offered by a DLI-approved college?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Your best option unless in some select NOCs is to return home and learn French or increase your CRS score by other means.