The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to gain work experience in Canada, aiding their path to permanent residence (PR). However, you must maintain work permit eligibility by adhering to specific guidelines.
Extended study breaks can jeopardize PGWP eligibility, but strategic planning can prevent this.
Defining Full-Time Status:
To maintain work permit eligibility, you must understand full-time status requirements. While each institution defines “full-time” differently, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically considers students full-time if they take at least three courses per semester.
Accepted Breaks from Studies:
Despite the full-time requirement, IRCC allows exceptions where you can take breaks without losing PGWP eligibility. These include:
- Scheduled breaks (e.g., summer holidays)
- Periods from March 2020 to fall 2020 due to COVID-19
- The final semester of your studies
- Authorized leaves of absence for less than 150 days
Obtaining an Authorized Leave of Absence:
You can request an authorized leave of absence from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to maintain work permit eligibility. This document explains to IRCC that your leave is legitimate and approved. Reasons for such leaves include:
- Medical illness or injury
- Pregnancy or parental leave
- Family emergencies
- Mandatory military service
- Program changes within the same school
- Suspension from school
Requesting an Authorized Leave of Absence:
Follow these steps to request an authorized leave of absence and maintain work permit eligibility:
| Step | Action |
| Submit a Request Form | Fill out a form provided by your DLI |
| Provide Documentation | Include supporting documents |
| Submit Immigration Documents | Attach study permit, visa/eTA, and passport |
University Resources for Students:
Utilize resources at your institution to help you maintain the eligibility. Many universities have immigration experts or international education hubs. Here are resources from some popular DLIs:
- University of Toronto
- University of Waterloo
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Queen’s University
Tips to Maintain work permit eligibility:
To ensure your eligibility, consider the following tips:
1. Plan Scheduled Breaks:
Use scheduled breaks strategically to rest without affecting your full-time status.
2. Understand IRCC Exceptions:
Familiarize yourself with IRCC exceptions to ensure compliance.
3. Consult Immigration Experts:
Utilize available resources at your institution for guidance.
By following these steps and utilizing available resources, you can take breaks from your studies without compromising your PGWP eligibility.
You can contact our expert immigration consultants for
