PGWP Rules: When International Students Can Study Part-Time and Still Stay Eligible
International students in Canada must maintain full-time student status during their studies to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—but there are two key exceptions to this rule.
Students who take an authorized leave of absence or are in their final semester may be eligible for a PGWP even if they are not studying full-time, provided they meet Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
Key Takeaways
- PGWP Requirement: Normally, full-time enrollment is mandatory throughout the study period.
- Two Exceptions:
- Authorized leave of absence.
- Final semester of study.
- Proof Required: Students must provide supporting documents to show eligibility when applying for a PGWP.
What is Full-Time Status?
- A full-time student is defined by IRCC as someone enrolled in at least 15 instructional hours per week during the academic year.
- The Designated Learning Institution (DLI) determines what constitutes a full-time course load.
- Students should confirm with their DLI to ensure they maintain full-time status.
Exceptions to Full-Time Requirement
| Exception | Key Conditions | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized Leave of Absence | – Must be approved by the DLI. – Leave cannot exceed 150 days. – Must resume studies in the next available semester. | Students cannot work on or off campus during the leave, even if their study permit allows it. |
| Final Semester of Study | – Students may take a part-time course load if it is the last semester required to complete their program. | PGWP applications can only be submitted after receiving final marks and confirmation of graduation. |
Authorized Leave of Absence
Students may take a break from their studies without losing PGWP eligibility if:
- The leave is approved by the DLI and does not exceed 150 days.
- The reason for leave falls into one of these categories:
- Medical reasons or pregnancy.
- Family emergency or serious illness/death of a family member.
- School closure (permanent or due to a strike).
- Change of schools or program deferral.
- The student must resume studies in the next semester, even if it begins before the 150-day period ends.
PGWP Application Tip: When applying, students must provide:
- Proof the leave was authorized by their DLI.
- Confirmation that the leave did not exceed 150 days.
Last Semester Flexibility
Students in their final semester may study part-time if fewer courses are needed to complete their program.
- PGWP applications can only be submitted after receiving:
- An official completion letter from their DLI, or
- An official transcript confirming program completion.
PGWP Application Timelines
| Step | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for PGWP | Within 180 days of receiving final marks | If applying before study permit expiry, graduates can work full-time while waiting for approval. |
| Restore Status (if permit expires) | Within 90 days of study permit expiry | Pay PGWP fee ($255) + restoration fee ($389.75). Cannot work until work permit approval. |
| Application from Outside Canada | Anytime if status restoration period lapses | Must apply for PGWP from abroad if 90-day restoration window is missed. |
Important Rules to Remember
- Students cannot work during an authorized leave, even if their permit lists work rights.
- Failure to restore student status within 90 days of study permit expiry will require applying for a PGWP from outside Canada.
- Always keep DLI letters, transcripts, and receipts for restoration or PGWP applications.
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