Are you an international student eyeing that post-graduation work permit (PGWP)? You've come to the right place! To qualify for a PGWP, you need to keep your full-time student status during your studies. But don't worry! We’ll break it down for you in a friendly and clear way.

So, what does it mean to be a full-time student? According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you need to be enrolled in at least 15 hours of instruction per week. This could be a mix of classroom learning or training that’s part of your study program. Just check with your school to confirm what qualifies as full-time for you.

Now, there are a couple of exceptions where you can take a break from full-time status and still remain eligible for your PGWP. One is if you take an authorized leave of absence. This needs to be approved by your college or university and shouldn’t last more than 150 days. Some valid reasons include medical emergencies, family issues, or even a school closure.

Another situation is if you’re in your last semester of study. You can study part-time and still apply for your PGWP when you're done. Just remember, you cannot apply for the PGWP until you receive your final marks.

Thinking about when to apply for your PGWP? You have up to 180 days after getting your final marks to make your application. If you apply before your study permit expires, you can start working full-time right away!

If your study permit does expire, you still have 90 days to apply for your PGWP, but there are some additional steps to restore your student status.

If you have any questions about your situation, consider scheduling a free consultation with the Cohen Immigration Law Firm. They’re here to help!