Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the validity period for interim work authorization letters issued to international graduates. These letters, which previously remained valid for 120 days, will now be effective for up to 180 days from the date of the work permit application submission.
An interim work authorization letter allows eligible graduates to begin working full-time in Canada while they await a final decision on their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application. This updated policy is expected to offer increased flexibility and financial stability, supporting new graduates as they transition from study to work.
To qualify, international graduates must submit their PGWP application before their study permit expires. They are also required to have held a valid study permit at the time of application, completed an eligible post-secondary program of at least eight months in duration, and have received a diploma, certificate, or degree from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Additionally, applicants must meet the requirements for working off-campus without a work permit — such as having been enrolled full-time during their academic program. Notably, between November 15, 2022, and April 30, 2024, a temporary policy allowed international students to exceed the standard 20-hour weekly work limit, offering even greater flexibility for work experience during that time.
IRCC clarifies that while the interim work authorization letter permits employment within Canada, it is not a travel document. If graduates leave the country during the processing period, they may require a valid temporary resident visa to re-enter Canada.
If no decision is made within the 180-day timeframe, applicants can request continued proof of work authorization by submitting an inquiry through IRCC’s webform.
This change reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to retain international talent and ease the workforce integration process for recent graduates — a vital demographic in the country’s labor market and immigration goals.