Can You Work in Canada While Awaiting PGWP Approval?

Can You Still Work in Canada While Waiting for Your PGWP? Here’s What You Need to Know

• International graduates awaiting a PGWP decision can keep working full-time—even if their interim work authorization has expired
• You must meet specific eligibility requirements to maintain legal work status
• Employers may request proof of your work authorization—there are easy ways to provide it
• IRCC allows you to request written confirmation through its web form
• Having your study permit and proof of graduation handy helps support your case
• Always stop working immediately if your PGWP application is refused

So, you’ve finished your studies in Canada and applied for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). First off—congrats on hitting that milestone! 🎓 But now, while you wait for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application, you may have noticed your interim work authorization is close to expiring—or maybe it already has. If that’s got you feeling a bit stressed, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the good news is, you may still be able to work legally.

Let’s walk through what this means for you, what you need to know, and how to explain your situation to your employer with confidence.

What Is Interim Work Authorization—and Why Is It Important?

When you apply for a PGWP after completing your program, you’re usually issued an interim work authorization letter (Form IMM 0127 E). This letter lets you start working full-time right away, even before your PGWP is officially approved. Typically, this letter is valid for up to 180 days.

Now here’s where the snag comes in: due to current delays, PGWP applications submitted from within Canada are taking about 227 days to process. That’s longer than the 180-day validity period of your interim letter. But don’t panic—IRCC has made it crystal clear that as long as you meet all the eligibility criteria, you’re allowed to continue working in Canada even if your interim authorization expires before you get a decision on your PGWP.

Who’s Eligible to Keep Working?

To continue working while waiting for your PGWP decision—even beyond the expiry of your interim letter—you must meet all the following conditions:

• You had a valid study permit when you submitted your PGWP application
• You completed your program of study
• You were eligible to work off campus during your studies and didn’t exceed the allowed working hours

Important: If you didn’t receive an interim work authorization letter, or if you don’t meet these eligibility criteria, you may not be legally allowed to work while you wait. And if your PGWP application is refused, you must stop working immediately upon receiving the refusal notice.

What to Do If Your Employer Asks for Proof of Authorization

It’s totally understandable that your employer might be cautious. After all, they want to make sure everything is above board. The good news is, there are a couple of ways you can help put their mind at ease and prove you’re legally allowed to work in Canada while your PGWP is in process.

Option 1: Request Confirmation from IRCC via Web Form

IRCC offers an online tool called the web form, which you can use to request written confirmation of your ability to work. It’s straightforward and secure.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Head to the official IRCC website
2. Search for “IRCC web form” or go to the “Contact Us” section
3. Click through to the web form portal
4. Fill in your application details and clearly state that you’re requesting proof of work authorization

The IRCC may then provide written confirmation you can show your employer. This might take a little time, so if you need something more immediate, move on to Option 2.

Option 2: Show Supporting Documents to Your Employer

If you’re in a pinch and need to confirm your status right away, you can also provide your employer with several key documents that support your eligibility to work:

• Your Interim Work Authorization Letter (IMM 0127 E)
• • An official letter from your college or university stating you’ve completed your program, or
  • Your transcript (downloaded from your school’s portal or issued officially)
• Your valid study permit:
  • Make sure it includes the line: “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.”
• Your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) from IRCC:
  • This shows that you submitted your PGWP application while your study permit was still valid

Having these documents ready shows that you’re being proactive and transparent—two things any Canadian employer will appreciate.

What Happens If Your PGWP Is Refused?

Hopefully, it won’t come to this, but if your application is denied for any reason, you must stop working immediately. Continuing to work after a refusal would be considered unauthorized employment, which can impact future immigration applications. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s a good idea to speak with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to understand your options.

Planning to Stay in Canada Longer?

If you’re thinking about staying in Canada permanently after your work permit, there are great immigration streams for international graduates. For example, if you’re working in Manitoba or plan to settle there, you might want to check out the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Many PGWP holders use this pathway to transition to permanent residency.

Final Thoughts

Waiting for a PGWP decision can be nerve-wracking—especially when your interim work authorization is about to expire. But if you’ve submitted your application correctly and meet all the eligibility criteria, you’re in the clear to keep working full-time in Canada.

Keep your documents handy, be honest with your employer, and reach out to IRCC if you need additional confirmation. You’ve worked hard to get this far—don’t let processing delays throw you off track.

Need personalized help with your work permit or PGWP application? Contact our immigration experts today for a free consultation and get peace of mind about your legal status in Canada.