The Only Times You Can Be a Part-Time Student and Still Qualify for a PGWP in Canada
If you are an international student planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, you are normally required to maintain full-time student status throughout your program. However, there are two important exceptions when you can study part-time and still remain eligible for a PGWP:
When you take an authorized leave of absence; and
When you are in your final semester of study.
This guide explains both exceptions in detail, along with the rules and conditions you must meet to stay compliant with IRCC requirements.
What Is Considered Full-Time Study?
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a full-time student is someone who:
Studies at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year.
This includes both classroom instruction and workplace training that is part of the program.
👉 Ultimately, your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) decides what qualifies as full-time status. Most schools base it on the number of courses or instructional hours, so always confirm with your institution.
Exception 1: Taking an Authorized Leave of Absence
Sometimes, students may need to temporarily pause their studies. If your DLI authorizes the leave, it is considered an “authorized leave of absence”, and you can still remain eligible for a PGWP.
Key rules:
The leave must not exceed 150 days.
Your DLI must officially approve it.
During the leave, you cannot work on or off campus, even if your study permit normally allows work.
You do not need to inform IRCC, but when applying for your PGWP you must show that:
Your leave was officially authorized by your DLI; and
It did not last longer than 150 days.
Valid reasons for an authorized leave:
Medical reasons or pregnancy.
Family emergency.
Death or serious illness of a family member.
Other types of leave authorized by your DLI.
Permanent school closure or strike.
Changing schools.
Program start date deferred by you or your DLI.
📌 Note: After your leave, you must resume studies in the next available semester (even if it’s before the 150 days).
Exception 2: Students in Their Final Semester
Students in their last semester can study part-time and still qualify for a PGWP.
You cannot apply for the PGWP until you receive your final marks.
To apply, you must provide either:
An official letter from your DLI confirming program completion; or
An official transcript.
📌 Tip: When applying for your PGWP, you may explain your final-semester situation in the “additional client information” field on IRCC’s application portal.
When to Apply for a PGWP
You have 180 days after receiving your final marks to apply for a PGWP.
If you apply before your study permit expires, you may start working full-time right away while your PGWP is being processed.
If your study permit expires before you apply, you have up to 90 days after expiry to apply for a PGWP, but you must also:
Restore your student status.
Pay the required fees:
PGWP application fee: $255
Student status restoration fee: $389.75
📌 Note: You cannot work until your PGWP is approved if you are applying with a restoration of status.
Final Reminder
If you fail to restore your status within 90 days, or if more than 90 days have passed since your study permit expired, you must leave Canada and apply for your PGWP from outside the country.
Maintaining your student status carefully is the key to securing your PGWP and transitioning smoothly into the Canadian workforce.