If you are an international student aiming to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you are generally required to remain a full-time student throughout your studies. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows for two key exceptions to full-time study for PGWP in Canada:
- Taking an authorized leave of absence
- Being in the last semester of study
What Counts As Full-Time Enrollment?
According to IRCC, a full-time student is someone taking at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This can include classroom lessons, labs, and any work placements or training that are officially part of your study program.
That said, the ultimate definition of full-time status depends on your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Most schools determine full-time status based on the number of instructional hours or credits. Because this can vary, students are advised to confirm with their institution what constitutes a full-time course load for their specific program.
Authorized Leave Of Absence
Sometimes life throws challenges that force a student to step away from studies temporarily. In such cases, a student may be granted an authorized leave of absence without losing PGWP eligibility.
To qualify, this leave must:
- Be formally approved by the DLI
- Not exceed 150 days
Valid Reasons For Authorized Leave
IRCC accepts the following as legitimate reasons for an authorized leave of absence:
- Medical issues or pregnancy
- A family emergency
- Death or serious illness of a family member
- Any other type of leave authorized by the school
- Permanent school closure or closure due to a strike
- Changing schools
- Deferral of program start date by either the student or the school
- In all these cases, the student is expected to resume studies in the next available semester, even if this occurs before the 150-day limit. If applicable, the student must also obtain a new letter of acceptance from their DLI.
Work Restrictions During Leave
Even if your study permit allows you to work, students cannot work on or off campus while on an authorized leave. This restriction applies throughout the entire leave period.
Students do not need to inform IRCC at the time they take a leave. However, when applying for the PGWP later, they must provide documents proving that the leave was:
- Officially authorized by their DLI
- No longer than 150 days
Failure to provide this evidence could make a student ineligible for a PGWP.
Studying Part-Time In The Last Semester
Another one of the integral exceptions to full-time study for PGWP in Canada is studying part-time in the last semester.
This exception applies to students in their final semester of study. If you are in your last academic term, you are allowed to study part-time and still remain eligible for a PGWP.
When submitting a PGWP application, it is advisable to explain your circumstances in the “additional client information” field to make your case clear to IRCC.
Applying After Final Marks
Importantly, students cannot apply for a PGWP while still in their last semester. You must wait until you have received your final marks before submitting the application.
To apply, graduates need one of the following from their DLI:
- An official completion letter confirming the end of their study program
- An official transcript (or a copy) confirming completion
Application Timeline For The PGWP
Graduates have up to 180 days from the date they receive their final marks to apply for a PGWP.
- If you apply before your study permit expires, you can begin working full-time immediately while IRCC processes your PGWP application.
- If your study permit has already expired, you still have 90 days after the expiry date to apply. However, you must also restore your student status.
Restoring Student Status Before PGWP
For those whose study permits have expired, restoration of student status is required before applying for the PGWP. To restore status, students must:
- Apply for the PGWP online and pay the required fee ($255)
- Pay the additional restoration fee ($389.75)
Due to limitations in IRCC’s system, this restoration fee must be paid online, and a copy of the payment receipt should be attached to the PGWP application. Fortunately, students are not required to file a separate application for status restoration.
Work Restrictions During Restoration
While waiting for restoration and the PGWP approval, graduates are not allowed to work in Canada. Work can only begin once the PGWP is officially approved.
Missing The 90-Day Window
If more than 90 days pass after the study permit expires and the student has not applied for restoration, they lose their eligibility to restore status within Canada. In this case, they must leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from abroad.
Key Takeaways
Maintaining full-time status is crucial for PGWP eligibility, but IRCC does make allowances for two situations:
- An authorized leave of absence (up to 150 days, with valid reasons and approval from your DLI).
- Being part-time in the final semester of your study program.
Understanding these exceptions and following the rules around them can help ensure your PGWP application is successful. For international students, staying compliant with IRCC guidelines is the best way to secure valuable post-graduation work opportunities in Canada.
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