Stay Eligible for PGWP: Managing Study Breaks | Canada Immigration Updates
Learn how to take a break from studies without losing PGWP eligibility. Understand IRCC rules on full-time status, authorized leaves, and school processes.
Gurmeet Sharma
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is crucial for international students seeking work experience in Canada and aiming for permanent residence (PR). However, eligibility requires maintaining full-time student status throughout your studies. Taking extended breaks outside scheduled breaks can jeopardize your PGWP eligibility.
Full-Time Status: Defined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as actively pursuing studies, typically taking at least three courses per semester.
Exceptions to Full-Time Requirement:
- During scheduled breaks (e.g., summer break).
- Part-time study or study interruption between March 2020 and fall 2020 due to COVID-19.
- Part-time status in the last semester.
- Authorized leave of absence for less than 150 days.
Authorized Leave of Absence: This document from a student’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) explains a legitimate need to leave studies for less than 150 days with school approval. DLIs are the only institutions in Canada authorized to accept and provide housing for international students.
Common Reasons for Authorized Leave:
- Medical illness or injury
- Pregnancy/parental leave
- Family emergency
- Mandatory military service
- Change of program at the same school
- Suspension from school
Requesting an Authorized Leave of Absence Letter: Processes vary by school but generally include submitting a request form, supporting documentation, and immigration and travel documents like:
- Study permit
- Student visa/eTA
- Passport
Most schools offer support through immigration experts or international education hubs.
Examples of Popular DLIs:
- University of Toronto
- Waterloo University
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- Queen’s University
