Can I Still Work in Canada if My PGWP Is in Process but My Interim Work Authorization Has Expired? — Complete 2025 Guide

For thousands of international graduates in Canada, long PGWP processing times have created confusion—especially when their interim work authorization letter expires before IRCC makes a final decision.

If you're facing this situation, here’s the good news:

Yes, you can continue working full-time in Canada even if your interim work authorization has expired, as long as you meet IRCC’s eligibility criteria.

This detailed guide explains when you can keep working, what to show employers, and what alternative work permit options exist if you missed the PGWP window.

---

Understanding Interim Work Authorization for PGWP Applicants

International students who apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may receive an interim work authorization letter (IMM 0127 E) allowing them to work while IRCC processes their application.
These letters are usually valid for 180 days.

However, current work permit processing times inside Canada are around 227 days — meaning many students see their letter expire before receiving the final PGWP approval.

My PGWP is being processed

IRCC clearly confirms that:

International graduates may continue working full-time even if the 180-day letter expires, provided they meet all conditions.

My PGWP is being processed

---

Eligibility: Who Can Work After the Authorization Letter Expires?

You can continue working full-time while waiting for your PGWP decision if you meet all three conditions:

✔️ You held a valid study permit when you applied

✔️ You completed your study program

✔️ You were eligible to work off-campus during your studies and did not exceed the allowed hours

If your PGWP is refused, you must stop working immediately.

My PGWP is being processed

---

What If Your Employer Asks for Updated Proof?

Many employers get confused when they see an expired interim letter.
Here’s what you can provide:

---

1. Request Written Confirmation From IRCC (Recommended)

Students can request additional proof of authorization through the IRCC Web Form.
IRCC may respond with written confirmation that the student is legally allowed to work.

My PGWP is being processed

---

2. Show Employer Supporting Documents

If you need proof urgently, show:

Proof of program completion

• Completion letter from your college

• Official or digital transcript

Copy of your study permit

It must include wording allowing on/off-campus work.

PGWP Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR)

To work immediately, the AOR must have been issued before your study permit expired.

My PGWP is being processed

---

Real-Time Use Case

Use Case 1: A Graduate in Toronto

An Indian student completed her Data Analytics program at Seneca and applied for a PGWP in April.
Her interim work authorization expired in September, but she continued working for her employer because she still met all eligibility rules. She provided:

• Interim work authorization letter

• Transcript + completion letter

• PGWP AOR

The employer accepted these documents after she shared IRCC’s guidelines.

---

Did You Miss the PGWP? Other Work Permit Options Available

If you are not eligible for a PGWP, several alternative Canada work permit pathways exist. These options include LMIA-based work permits, International Experience Canada (IEC), Global Hypergrowth Project, Free Trade Agreement work permits, spousal open work permits, AIP work permits, and more.

My PGWP is being processed

Below is a simplified overview.

---

1. LMIA-Based Work Permit (Temporary Foreign Worker Program – TFWP)

If you have a job offer and your employer is willing to apply for an LMIA, you can secure an employer-specific work permit.
The LMIA must show that hiring you will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.

My PGWP is being processed

Real-Life Example

A student in Calgary whose PGWP expired secured an LMIA from a tech employer. He applied for a closed work permit and continued working legally.

---

2. International Experience Canada (IEC)

If you're from a country with a youth mobility agreement (e.g., Ireland, France, Japan), you may get:

• Open Work Permit (Working Holiday) or

• Employer-Specific Work Permit (Young Professionals)

  My PGWP is being processed

---

3. Global Hypergrowth Project Work Permit

If you receive a job offer from participating high-growth Canadian companies, you may be eligible for an LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permit.
Companies include Lightspeed Commerce, Ada, Clio, and more.

My PGWP is being processed

---

4. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Work Permits

If you’re from the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., Korea, EU, or any FTA partner, you may qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits under agreements like:

• CUSMA

• CETA

• CPTPP

These work permits include categories like:

• Professionals

• Intra-Company Transferees

• Investors

• Traders

  My PGWP is being processed

---

5. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

You may qualify if:

✔️ Your spouse is an international student in an eligible master’s/doctoral or professional program

✔️ Your spouse is a foreign worker in an eligible TEER occupation

✔️ You are being sponsored for PR by your spouse (inland sponsorship)

My PGWP is being processed

---

Real-Time Use Case

Use Case 2: Spouse of a Master's Student in BC

A student’s PGWP was refused. However, because his wife was enrolled in a Master’s program at UBC, he applied for a Spousal Open Work Permit and continued working legally.

---

6. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) – Work Permit

Candidates with a job offer from a designated Atlantic employer can apply for this employer-specific work permit while their PR application is in process.

My PGWP is being processed

---

How to Start Working While Waiting for ANY Work Permit Decision

You can work full-time before approval if:

• You were eligible to work off campus

• You applied before your study permit expired

• You maintained valid temporary status

You can even apply for restoration of status + work permit if your status expired before applying.

My PGWP is being processed

---

Final Thoughts

Even though PGWP processing delays can be frustrating, Canada’s immigration system provides multiple ways to keep working legally after graduation.

Key takeaway:
➡️ If your interim work authorization expires while waiting for your PGWP, you can still legally work full-time — as long as you meet IRCC requirements.

If PGWP is not an option for you, several other work permit pathways can still help you build your career and continue your journey toward Canadian permanent residence.