International students in Canada aiming for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must typically maintain full-time enrollment throughout their academic program. However, Maple News reports that there are only two specific scenarios in which students can temporarily hold part-time status without jeopardizing their PGWP eligibility.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a ‘full-time student’ is generally defined as someone enrolled in a program with at least 15 hours of instruction per week. The exact requirements for full-time status may vary by institution, and it’s the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that ultimately determines whether a student meets the full-time criteria. Therefore, students are advised to confirm academic requirements directly with their DLI to ensure compliance.
Despite the strict full-time requirement, IRCC provides two exceptions where part-time status is permissible without losing eligibility for a PGWP:
1. Students in Their Final Semester:
IRCC allows students to switch to part-time status during their final academic term if they’ve met all other course requirements and only a few credits remain. This is a common situation for those who are finishing capstone projects or final courses.
2. Authorized Leave of Absence:
Students may also be granted an official leave from studies for compelling reasons. These may include medical emergencies, family issues, pregnancy, or the death of a family member, among others. The leave must be formally approved by the student’s DLI and must not exceed 150 consecutive days. Any longer could result in a breach of study permit requirements and loss of PGWP eligibility.
To protect their future work and immigration opportunities, international students must ensure that their leave is documented and authorized. IRCC may request supporting evidence, including letters from the DLI and documentation substantiating the reason for leave.
Failing to meet the full-time requirement without qualifying under one of these two exceptions may result in ineligibility for a PGWP, which can significantly impact a student’s ability to remain and work in Canada post-graduation.
Maple News advises that any student considering time away from full-time study should consult their school’s international student office and maintain full documentation to ensure compliance with Canada’s immigration regulations.