The only times you are allowed not to be a full-time student and still maintain work permit eligibility are strictly limited. International students in Canada are required to sustain full-time enrollment throughout their studies to qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), with only two notable exceptions: taking an authorized leave of absence or being in the final semester of study.
A full-time student, as defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), typically participates in at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. The exact standard may differ by institution, as each Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may set its own definition based on course loads and program requirements.
The first exception is an authorized leave of absence. In limited circumstances, students may be permitted by their DLI to take a break from their studies and retain their PGWP eligibility. For the leave to be considered authorized, it must not exceed 150 days and must be formally approved by the DLI. Acceptable reasons for an authorized leave include medical issues (such as illness or pregnancy), family emergencies, the death or serious illness of a family member, or another leave type sanctioned by the school. Additionally, authorized leave may occur if the school closes or due to a strike, if the student changes schools, or if the program’s start date is deferred. Importantly, students must resume studies in the next available semester and obtain an updated letter of acceptance if the break results from changing schools or deferrals. It’s important to note that students are not permitted to work—either on or off campus—during an authorized leave, even if the study permit indicates work authorization. While it isn’t necessary to notify IRCC when taking the leave, students must later prove that it was authorized and within the 150-day limit when applying for a PGWP.
The second exception applies to students in their final semester. Those who have completed all other program requirements may study part-time in their last term and still meet PGWP eligibility requirements. For clarity, students may wish to document these special circumstances in the PGWP application’s “additional client information” section. However, a PGWP can only be applied for after the student receives final grades along with either an official letter from the DLI confirming completion or a transcript. Applications for a PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of getting final marks.
If applying for a PGWP before the study permit expires, graduates may begin working full-time immediately while waiting for a decision. If the study permit has expired, applicants have up to 90 days to apply for both the PGWP and status restoration, with fees payable for both applications. Until status is fully restored and the PGWP is issued, the graduate is not allowed to work. Failing to restore status within the 90-day window obliges the applicant to leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside the country.
In summary, the only permissible breaks from full-time student status, while retaining work permit eligibility, are an authorized leave not exceeding 150 days approved by the DLI, and being in the last term of study where a part-time load is permitted. All other periods require strict adherence to full-time enrollment to maintain eligibility for the post-graduation work permit.
The post Exceptions to Full-Time Study: When International Students Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
