Many international students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) right after finishing their studies. But because PGWP processing times have become longer, some students are now seeing their interim work authorization letter expire before they get the final PGWP.

If this is happening to you, do not worry.

IRCC says that most students can continue working full-time even after the date on their interim letter has passed.

This article explains if you can still work if your interim PGWP letter expires and how you can show your employer that you are still allowed to work.

Understand Your Work Authorization

Interim work authorization letters (IMM 0127 E) are given to students who qualify to work after they apply for their PGWP.

Normally, these letters are valid for 180 days. But the current PGWP processing time inside Canada is 227 days, which is much longer. This means many students will reach the end date on the letter before IRCC finishes their PGWP decision.

IRCC clearly states on their official website that students who applied for a PGWP and meet all the required conditions can keep working full-time, even if the 180-day letter has expired.

International graduates with an interim work authorization letter can keep working full-time while waiting for their PGWP decision. They are fully following Canadian law and immigration rules.

Important:

If you never received an interim work authorization letter, you may not be allowed to work while waiting for your PGWP decision.

Who Can Keep Working Full-Time?

You can continue working full-time only if:

  • You had a valid study permit when you applied for the PGWP
  • You finished your program
  • You were allowed to work off campus during your studies and did not work more hours than allowed

If your PGWP is refused for any reason, you must stop working immediately once IRCC notifies you.

If Your Employer Wants More Proof

Some employers may be unsure about your work status when they see the expired interim letter. Here are steps you can take to give them stronger proof.

Request A Confirmation Letter Through IRCC Web Form

IRCC says that PGWP applicants may request written confirmation of their work authorization by using the IRCC web form.

The IRCC web form is an online tool you can use to contact the immigration department. It lets you ask questions about your application, upload documents if IRCC asks for them, or request written proof of your status or work authorization.

To use the web form, go to the official IRCC website and search for “IRCC web form,” or open the “Contact Us” page and click on the “Web form” section.

Once there, choose the type of request you want to make, enter your application details, and submit your message safely online.

Show Your Employer Additional Documents

If you cannot get IRCC’s confirmation quickly, or you need to give proof right away, you can show these documents along with your interim letter:

1. Proof You Finished Your Program

You can show:

  • An official letter from your school saying you completed your program, OR
  • Your official transcript or a downloaded transcript from your school website
2. Your Study Permit

To work immediately, your study permit must include this sentence:

“May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w); must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”

3. Your Acknowledgement Of Receipt (AOR) For The PGWP

If you applied online, show the AOR message confirming that IRCC received your application.

To keep working legally, this AOR must have been issued before your study permit expired.

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