When Can International Students Be Part-Time and Still Qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

For international students in Canada, maintaining full-time study status is usually a strict requirement to remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows two exceptions where a student may study part-time (or take a break) and still keep their PGWP eligibility intact:

1. During an authorized leave of absence.

2. In their final semester of study.

In this guide, we’ll break down these exceptions, the rules students must follow, and how they can impact your PGWP application.

What Does IRCC Consider a Full-Time Student?

According to IRCC, a full-time student is generally someone enrolled in at least 15 hours of instruction per week during an academic session. This includes both classroom teaching and mandatory workplace training tied to the program.

Important: Each Designated Learning Institution (DLI) defines what full-time study means for their programs. For example, some universities may classify three courses as full-time, while others may require four. Always confirm with your institution to avoid mistakes that could affect your future immigration pathway.

Exception 1: Taking an Authorized Leave of Absence

Sometimes life happens, and students may need to pause their studies. In such cases, IRCC allows a break called an “authorized leave of absence” — but only under specific conditions.

Conditions for an Authorized Leave:

• Must be approved by the Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• Cannot exceed 150 days.

• Must be for one of the following reasons:

  • Medical issues or pregnancy

  • Family emergency or serious illness/death of a loved one

  • School closure or strike

  • Changing to a new school

  • Program deferral with approval from the institution

Work Restriction: Students on an authorized leave cannot work on or off-campus, even if their study permit lists work authorization.

When applying for a PGWP, students must provide evidence that:

1. The leave was officially authorized by their DLI.

2. The leave did not last longer than 150 days.

Real-Life Example:

An engineering student in Toronto had to return to their home country for three months due to a family medical emergency. Since their university approved the leave, and the break was under 150 days, the student remained eligible for a PGWP after graduation — as long as they resumed studies in the next available semester.

Exception 2: Studying Part-Time in the Final Semester

The second exception applies to students in their last semester. If the remaining course load is lighter, students can study part-time without affecting their PGWP eligibility.

Key Points for the Final Semester:

• Part-time enrollment is allowed only in the last semester.

• Students cannot apply for a PGWP until they:

  • Receive an official letter of completion from their DLI, or

  • Obtain an official transcript showing program completion.

• PGWP applications must be submitted within 180 days of receiving final marks.

Real-Life Example:

A business student in Vancouver had only two courses left in their final term. They studied part-time but were still eligible for the PGWP because they completed all requirements and applied within 180 days after receiving their transcript.

PGWP Application Deadlines and Work Rules

Students must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving final marks. Here’s how it works depending on study permit status:

• If the study permit is still valid:
  Students may apply for the PGWP and begin working full-time immediately, even before a decision is made.

• If the study permit has expired:
  Students have up to 90 days to restore their student status and apply for the PGWP. This requires paying:

  • $255 PGWP fee

  • $389.75 restoration fee
    They cannot work until the PGWP is officially approved.

• If more than 90 days have passed since expiry:
  Students must leave Canada and apply for the PGWP from outside the country.

Why These Exceptions Matter for Students

Understanding these exceptions is crucial because any violation of student status can make a PGWP application ineligible — which directly impacts a student’s ability to gain Canadian work experience and later apply for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Final Thoughts

For most international students in Canada, maintaining full-time status is non-negotiable if they plan to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. However, the authorized leave of absence and the last semester exception provide some flexibility for students facing real-life challenges or reduced course loads.

Always confirm with your DLI, keep written records of approvals, and apply for your PGWP within IRCC’s deadlines to avoid complications.

These small but important details can make the difference between securing a PGWP — your gateway to a Canadian career and permanent residency — or losing eligibility altogether.