If you are an international student in Canada and planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you need to maintain full-time student status throughout your studies. However, there are two important exceptions when you do not have to be a full-time student and can still stay eligible for the PGWP:
- When you take an authorized leave of absence.
- When you are in your final semester of study.
Let’s break this down in simple terms.
What Does “Full-Time” Mean?
In most cases, being a full-time student means you are enrolled in a regular course load as defined by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). For Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this usually means you are taking at least 15 hours of classes or training each week during the school year.
Since different schools may set their own rules, it’s best to confirm directly with your college or university about what counts as full-time.
Authorized Leave of Absence
Sometimes life happens, and you may need to pause your studies. In Canada, you can take what’s called an authorized leave of absence and still keep your PGWP eligibility.
To qualify, your leave must be officially approved by your school, and it cannot be longer than 150 days. Your reason for leave must also fit into one of these categories:
- Medical issues or pregnancy
- A family emergency or the serious illness/death of a family member
- Your school permanently closes or goes on strike
- You change schools
- Your school or you have deferred your program start date
If you take such a break, you must return to studies in the next available semester, even if it begins earlier than the 150 days.
One important thing to remember: you are not allowed to work (on or off campus) while on an authorized leave, even if your study permit normally allows you to work.
When you later apply for your PGWP, you must prove that:
- Your leave was officially approved by your school, and
- The leave did not go beyond 150 days.
Being a Part-Time Student in Your Last Semester
If you are in your final semester, you are allowed to be a part-time student and still remain eligible for the PGWP. This exception exists because sometimes students need fewer courses to finish their program.
However, you cannot apply for a PGWP during this last semester. You can only apply after you receive your final marks and your school provides either an official completion letter or a final transcript.
When and How to Apply for a PGWP
Once you have finished your studies, you have up to 180 days (six months) to apply for your PGWP.
- If you apply before your study permit expires, you can start working full-time right away, even before your PGWP is approved.
- If your study permit has already expired, you still have 90 days to apply, but you will also need to pay a fee to restore your student status.
The costs are:
- PGWP application fee: $255
- Restoration of student status fee: $389.75
If you apply for restoration, you cannot work until your PGWP is approved. And if you miss the 90-day deadline after your study permit expires, you will need to leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside the country.
Can I work during an authorized leave of absence?
No. Even if your study permit normally allows work, you cannot work while on an authorized leave.
What happens if my leave is longer than 150 days?
If your leave goes beyond 150 days, you may lose your PGWP eligibility. You must either return to your studies within that time or change your status in Canada.
Do I need to inform IRCC when I take an authorized leave?
No, you don’t need to tell IRCC at that time. But when you apply for your PGWP, you must show proof that your leave was authorized and within the 150-day limit.
Can I be part-time in any semester other than the last one?
No. The only time you can be part-time and still keep PGWP eligibility is in your final semester.
What if my school defines full-time differently than IRCC?
Always follow your school’s rules since they officially decide whether you are full-time. IRCC relies on your school’s definition when assessing your PGWP application.
What if I miss the 180-day deadline to apply for a PGWP?
If you miss the 180-day deadline, you will no longer be eligible for a PGWP.
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