2 Exceptions to PGWP Rules Every International Student Must Know

The Only Two Times You Can Be a Part-Time Student and Still Qualify for a PGWP in Canada

If you’re an international student in Canada with dreams of staying and working after graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is likely on your radar. But here’s something many students don’t realize: to be eligible for a PGWP, you typically need to maintain full-time student status throughout your studies. But like every good Canadian winter, there are a couple of exceptions.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the only two situations where you can temporarily be a part-time student—or even take a break from school—and still qualify for a PGWP. We’ll also cover what “full-time” means, how to apply for a PGWP, and what happens if your study permit expires before you apply.

Key Highlights

• PGWP eligibility generally requires full-time enrolment—but there are two exceptions.
• You can take an authorized leave of absence for valid reasons without losing eligibility.
• In your final semester, you’re allowed to study part-time and still apply for a PGWP.
• You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks.
• If your study permit expires, you still have 90 days to apply—but you’ll need to restore your status.

What Does “Full-Time Student” Mean in Canada?

Before we dive into the exceptions, let’s clear up what Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) actually means by “full-time.”

According to IRCC, a full-time student is someone who’s enrolled in a program with at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This includes not only classroom learning but also any work placements or training that’s part of the program.

That said, the final say on whether you’re considered full-time lies with your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Most Canadian schools determine full-time status based on the number of courses or instructional hours you’re taking per semester. So it’s always wise to double-check with your college or university to confirm that you’re meeting the full-time requirements for your specific program.

1. Taking an Authorized Leave of Absence

Life happens. Whether it’s a medical issue, a family emergency, or even a school strike, sometimes continuing your studies just isn’t possible. The good news? Under certain conditions, you can take an authorized leave of absence and still maintain your PGWP eligibility.

Here’s what needs to happen for your leave to be considered “authorized” by IRCC:

• Your leave must be approved by your DLI.
• The leave must not exceed 150 days.
• Your reason for the break must fall into one of the following categories:
  • Medical reasons or pregnancy
  • Family emergency or death/illness of a relative
  • School closure (permanent or due to a strike)
  • Changing schools
  • Deferral of your program start date

If you’re deferring your start date, make sure you get a new letter of acceptance from your DLI and begin your studies in the next available semester—even if it starts before the 150-day mark.

Heads up: You’re not allowed to work—on or off campus—while on authorized leave, even if your study permit says you can work in Canada. Also, while you don’t need to notify IRCC during your leave, you’ll need to prove it was authorized and within the 150-day limit when you apply for your PGWP.

2. Studying Part-Time in Your Final Semester

The only other time you can be a part-time student and still qualify for a PGWP is during your very last semester of studies. This can happen if, say, you’ve completed most of your credits and only need one or two more courses to graduate.

If you’re in this boat, it’s a good idea to include a short explanation in the “additional client information” section of your PGWP application to clarify your part-time status in the final term.

But there’s one important caveat: you can’t apply for your PGWP while you’re still wrapping up your courses. You must wait until you receive either:

• An official letter from your DLI confirming you’ve completed your program; or
• A copy of your final transcript

When Should You Apply for a PGWP?

Once your final marks are in, the clock starts ticking. You have up to 180 days to apply for your PGWP.

If your study permit is still valid when you apply, you can start working full-time right away—even while your PGWP application is being processed.

But what if your study permit expires before you apply? Don’t panic. You still have options, but there are a few extra steps involved.

Applying After Your Study Permit Has Expired

If your study permit has expired, you still have up to 90 days to apply for your PGWP. But you’ll also need to restore your status as a student. Here’s how:

• Apply online for your PGWP and pay the $255 fee
• Pay an additional $389.75 to restore your student status

Due to some quirks in the IRCC system, you’ll need to pay the restoration fee separately online and attach the receipt to your PGWP application. You don’t need to submit a separate application to restore your status.

Important note: If you’re applying to restore your status, you can’t work in Canada while waiting for your PGWP decision. You’ll need to wait until it’s approved before resuming work.

And if you miss the 90-day restoration window? Unfortunately, you’ll need to leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from abroad.

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Plan Ahead

Staying on top of your study status is key to keeping your PGWP eligibility intact. Whether you’re dealing with a personal emergency or just winding down your final semester, knowing your options can help you avoid hiccups in your immigration journey.

Thinking about staying in Canada for the long haul? A PGWP can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency through programs like the Manitoba PNP and others.

Need help navigating your PGWP or exploring your next immigration steps? Reach out for personalized support or check out our other helpful guides on international student pathways in Canada.

Contact us today to get started on your PGWP application with confidence!