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Post-Graduation Work Permit Application: 10 Critical Factors That Could Jeopardize Your PGWP in 2025

Critical Warning: These 10 Factors Could Ruin Your Post-Graduation Work Permit Application

Your post-graduation work permit application is one of the most important steps in your Canadian immigration journey. After years of studying in Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience, boost your Express Entry CRS score, and ultimately achieve permanent residence. However, certain critical mistakes in your post-graduation work permit application could lead to refusal, derailing your entire Canadian immigration plan.

Understanding what could jeopardize your post-graduation work permit application is essential for every international student completing their Canadian studies. Many refusals are preventable with proper knowledge and preparation. From timing issues and program eligibility to documentation errors and status violations, multiple factors can impact your PGWP success.

Don’t risk your post-graduation work permit application – Visa Master Canada can help you avoid these critical mistakes and ensure your PGWP is approved the first time.

Factor #1: Missing the 180-Day Application Deadline

The Most Common PGWP Mistake

Critical Timing Rule:

You MUST apply for your post-graduation work permit application within 180 days (approximately 6 months) of receiving your final grades or official notification that you’ve completed your program requirements.

Understanding the Deadline

Start Date Calculation:

The 180-day period begins on the date you receive written confirmation from your school that you’ve completed your program requirements. This could be:

  • Date final grades posted
  • Date transcript issued showing completion
  • Date completion letter issued by institution
  • Official notification of program completion

NOT the graduation ceremony date!

Why This Matters

If You Miss the Deadline:

  • ❌ Application will be refused
  • ❌ No exceptions or extensions
  • ❌ No second chance
  • ❌ Must leave Canada or apply for different permit
  • ❌ Cannot work legally
  • ❌ Immigration plan derailed

Success Story vs. Failure:

Student A (Success):

  • Final grades: April 15
  • Applied for PGWP: July 10 (86 days later)
  • ✅ Within 180-day window
  • ✅ PGWP approved

Student B (Failure):

  • Final grades: April 15
  • Went home for vacation
  • Returned to Canada in November
  • Applied for PGWP: November 20 (219 days later)
  • ❌ Beyond 180-day window
  • ❌ PGWP refused
  • ❌ Must leave Canada

How to Avoid This Mistake

Action Steps:

  1. Mark Your Calendar:
    • Note exact date of program completion
    • Calculate 180 days from that date
    • Set multiple reminders
    • Don’t rely on memory
  2. Apply Early:
    • Don’t wait until last minute
    • Apply 1-2 months after completion
    • Allows time for any issues
    • Reduces stress
  3. Get Official Confirmation:
    • Request completion letter from school
    • Get transcript immediately
    • Keep all documentation
    • Prove completion date
  4. Don’t Travel Extended Periods:
    • Avoid long trips home immediately after graduation
    • Stay in Canada to apply
    • Can travel after applying
    • Priority is submitting application
  5. Maintain Valid Status:
    • Study permit remains valid for 90 days after completion
    • Apply before study permit expires
    • Maintain legal status
    • Avoid gaps

Track Your Timeline:

Program Completion Date: [Your Date]
180 Days Later: [Deadline Date]
Planned Application Date: [Well Before Deadline]

Don’t risk missing this critical deadline – get application timing guidance from Visa Master Canada.

Factor #2: Studying at an Ineligible Institution

Not All Canadian Schools Qualify for PGWP

Critical Eligibility Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application will be automatically refused if you studied at a school that doesn’t qualify for PGWP eligibility.

Eligible Institutions

PGWP-Eligible Schools:

✅ Public post-secondary institutions:

  • Universities
  • Colleges
  • CEGEPs (Quebec)
  • Technical institutes
  • Publicly-funded institutions

✅ Private institutions authorized to award degrees:

  • Must have provincial authorization
  • Can award bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees
  • Limited private schools qualify

✅ Private secondary or post-secondary schools:

  • ONLY if operating under same rules as public schools
  • Offering programs at least 900 hours
  • Leading to diploma, certificate, or attestation
  • In Quebec specifically

✅ Quebec private schools:

  • Private institutions with 50%+ public funding
  • Offering qualifying vocational programs
  • Specific Quebec regulations

Ineligible Institutions

❌ Most private career colleges ❌ Language schools ❌ Most vocational training centers ❌ Distance learning institutions (mostly) ❌ Institutions outside Canada ❌ University preparatory programs ❌ Schools without proper authorization

How to Verify Eligibility

Before Enrolling:

  1. Check DLI List:
    • Designated Learning Institution (DLI) number required
    • DLI doesn’t automatically mean PGWP-eligible
    • Must verify PGWP eligibility specifically
    • Check IRCC website
  2. Ask School Directly:
    • “Are your programs PGWP-eligible?”
    • Get written confirmation
    • Verify specific program, not just institution
    • Keep documentation
  3. Review IRCC Criteria:
    • Understand eligibility requirements
    • Check provincial regulations
    • Verify institutional status
    • Confirm authorization

Warning Signs of Ineligible Schools:

⚠️ School primarily teaches English/French language
⚠️ Programs are mostly online/distance
⚠️ Private career college without degree-granting authority
⚠️ Accelerated programs (suspiciously short duration)
⚠️ School can’t confirm PGWP eligibility clearly
⚠️ Very low tuition compared to public institutions

Real Example

Student Case:

A student attended a private business college in Toronto, completed a 2-year diploma program, and applied for PGWP.

Result: ❌ REFUSED

Reason: The private college was not authorized to award degrees and didn’t meet criteria for private school PGWP eligibility.

Impact: Student had to leave Canada, couldn’t gain Canadian work experience, couldn’t apply through Express Entry.

If You’re Unsure

Verification Steps:

  1. Contact IRCC directly
  2. Review school’s DLI designation details
  3. Check provincial ministry of education records
  4. Consult immigration professional
  5. Get written confirmation from school

Protect Your Future:

  • Research before enrolling
  • Verify PGWP eligibility
  • Choose accredited institutions
  • Confirm program eligibility
  • Document everything

Ensure your institution qualifies – verify PGWP eligibility with Visa Master Canada before enrolling.

Factor #3: Program Length Less Than 8 Months

Duration Directly Affects PGWP Length

Critical Program Duration Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application will be refused if your program was less than 8 months in length.

Minimum Duration Requirements

Program Must Be:

  • At least 8 months (approximately 32 weeks) in length
  • Continuous study required
  • Full-time throughout
  • At eligible institution
  • Actually completed in timeframe

PGWP Length Based on Program Duration

How It Works:

Program LengthPGWP DurationLess than 8 months❌ Not eligible8 months to less than 2 yearsSame as program length2+ years3-year PGWPMultiple programs totaling 2+ years3-year PGWP (if conditions met)

Examples:

Scenario 1:

  • Program: 6-month certificate
  • Result: ❌ No PGWP eligibility

Scenario 2:

  • Program: 10-month diploma
  • Result: ✅ 10-month PGWP

Scenario 3:

  • Program: 1-year certificate
  • Result: ✅ 1-year PGWP

Scenario 4:

  • Program: 2-year diploma
  • Result: ✅ 3-year PGWP

Scenario 5:

  • Program: 4-year bachelor’s degree
  • Result: ✅ 3-year PGWP (maximum)

Combining Programs

Multiple Programs Can Count:

If you completed multiple eligible programs at the same institution, you may combine them to reach 2 years for a 3-year PGWP.

Requirements:

  • Each program at least 8 months
  • At same DLI
  • Each program completed
  • No gap between programs
  • All PGWP-eligible programs
  • Must apply after last program

Example:

Student Profile:

  • Program 1: 1-year certificate (completed)
  • Program 2: 1-year diploma (completed immediately after)
  • Total: 2 years at same institution

Result: ✅ Eligible for 3-year PGWP

Won’t Work:

  • Programs at different institutions
  • Breaks between programs
  • One program not PGWP-eligible
  • Less than 8 months each

Accelerated Programs Warning

Be Careful:

Some schools offer “accelerated” programs that compress curriculum into shorter timeframes.

Issue:

  • If program designed to be 2 years but you complete in 16 months
  • PGWP based on official program length (what it’s designed to be)
  • Not how long YOU took to complete

Clarification Needed:

  • What’s the official program duration?
  • What appears on your transcript?
  • What did you enroll in?
  • Verify with school and IRCC

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before Enrolling:

  1. Confirm Program Length:
    • Exact duration in months/weeks
    • Official program length
    • Full-time requirement
    • Continuous study expectation
  2. Plan for Maximum PGWP:
    • Consider 2+ year programs for 3-year PGWP
    • Understand PGWP length implications
    • Calculate Canadian work experience potential
    • Factor into immigration planning
  3. Document Program Details:
    • Program outline from school
    • Official length confirmation
    • Letter of acceptance details
    • Keep all documentation

After Enrolling:

  1. Complete Full Program:
    • Don’t drop out early
    • Maintain full-time status
    • Finish entire program
    • Get official completion
  2. Get Confirmation:
    • Official transcript showing duration
    • Completion letter
    • Proof of full program completion
    • Verification of length

Calculate your expected PGWP length and optimize your study plan with Visa Master Canada.

Factor #4: Part-Time Study During Final Academic Term

Full-Time Requirement Has One Important Exception

Critical Full-Time Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application requires full-time study throughout your program, with one exception: you may study part-time during your final academic term.

Understanding Full-Time Study

Full-Time Defined:

At most institutions:

  • Minimum course load per term
  • Usually 9+ credit hours per term
  • Or equivalent as defined by institution
  • Continuous enrollment
  • Meeting institutional standards

Summer/Scheduled Breaks:

  • OK to be part-time during scheduled breaks
  • If not required to study
  • Standard academic schedule
  • School-sanctioned breaks

The Final Term Exception

ONLY Allowed:

You may study part-time ONLY in your final academic term if:

✅ All remaining courses needed to complete program
✅ School confirms this is your final term
✅ You’re completing requirements
✅ Graduating that term

Example Scenarios:

Scenario 1 – ALLOWED ✅:

  • 2-year program normally 5 courses per term
  • Final term: Only 2 courses left to graduate
  • Taking 2 courses (part-time) in final term
  • ✅ Acceptable

Scenario 2 – NOT ALLOWED ❌:

  • 2-year program
  • Went part-time in 2nd year, 1st term (not final term)
  • Still has 2 more terms to go
  • ❌ PGWP refused

Scenario 3 – NOT ALLOWED ❌:

  • Final year but not final term
  • Chose part-time to work more
  • Not due to course availability
  • ❌ PGWP jeopardized

Common Mistakes

Dangerous Situations:

❌ Working too much:

  • Students reduce course load to work more hours
  • Not realizing PGWP impact
  • Thinking “part-time one term won’t matter”
  • ❌ It matters!

❌ Financial pressure:

  • Can’t afford full-time tuition
  • Switch to part-time
  • Plan to “catch up later”
  • ❌ PGWP eligibility lost

❌ Course planning error:

  • Failed a course
  • Need to repeat it
  • Go part-time while repeating
  • ❌ Affects PGWP if not final term

❌ Not understanding rules:

  • Assume part-time OK if still enrolled
  • Don’t realize full-time requirement
  • Find out when applying for PGWP
  • ❌ Too late to fix

How to Avoid This Mistake

Throughout Your Studies:

  1. Maintain Full-Time Status:
    • Always enroll full-time
    • Meet institutional requirements
    • Keep course load above minimum
    • Every term except final
  2. Plan Carefully:
    • Course planning from start
    • Ensure can complete in timeframe
    • Don’t fall behind
    • Pass courses first time
  3. If Financial Difficulties:
    • Seek student loans
    • Apply for scholarships/bursaries
    • Campus employment (allowed 20 hrs/week)
    • Don’t go part-time!
  4. Confirm Status:
    • Verify full-time status with school each term
    • Get confirmation in writing
    • Keep enrollment documentation
    • Track your status
  5. Final Term Verification:
    • Confirm with school this is final term
    • Get letter confirming completion after term
    • Document that remaining courses = graduation
    • Keep proof

During Final Term:

  1. If Going Part-Time:
    • Absolutely confirm it’s your final term
    • Get school confirmation
    • Ensure graduation that term
    • Document reasoning
  2. Documentation:
    • Letter from school confirming final term
    • Course completion requirements
    • Graduation confirmation
    • Official status verification

Special Situations:

Co-op/Internship Programs:

  • Work terms don’t count as part-time study
  • If required program component
  • Properly structured
  • School-approved

Approved Leave:

  • Medical leave properly documented
  • Maternity/parental leave
  • Doesn’t count against PGWP
  • Must be official

Verify your study status throughout your program with guidance from Visa Master Canada.

Factor #5: Taking Unauthorized Breaks or Leaves

Study Permit Conditions Must Be Maintained

Critical Continuity Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application could be jeopardized if you took unauthorized breaks or leaves of absence during your program without proper authorization.

Authorized vs. Unauthorized Breaks

AUTHORIZED Breaks (Safe for PGWP):

✅ Scheduled academic breaks:

  • Summer vacation (if not required to study)
  • Winter break
  • Spring break
  • Reading week
  • School-sanctioned holidays

✅ Approved leaves of absence:

  • Medical leave (documented)
  • Maternity/parental leave (documented)
  • Compassionate reasons (approved)
  • School authorized
  • Study permit conditions maintained

✅ Program-required breaks:

  • Co-op work terms
  • Internships (if part of program)
  • Practicum placements
  • Field work

UNAUTHORIZED Breaks (Dangerous):

❌ Extended breaks not approved by school:

  • Taking term off without permission
  • “Gap term” not approved
  • Extended vacation beyond authorized breaks
  • Failing to register for term

❌ Study permit expiry during break:

  • Status expired
  • Not maintained
  • Immigration violation
  • Serious consequence

❌ Abandoning studies:

  • Stopping enrollment
  • Not attending classes
  • Leaving without notice
  • Not completing terms

Study Permit Conditions

Must Maintain:

While on study permit, you must:

  • Be actively pursuing studies
  • Be enrolled at DLI
  • Make progress toward completion
  • Follow study permit conditions
  • Maintain status

If You Stop Studying:

  • Study permit becomes invalid
  • Must leave Canada or change status
  • Cannot simply “take time off”
  • Affects PGWP eligibility

Real-World Examples

Example 1 – Medical Leave (SAFE ✅):

Student diagnosed with serious illness mid-program.

  • Got doctor’s documentation
  • Applied for official leave of absence from school
  • School approved medical leave
  • Maintained study permit validity
  • Returned and completed program
  • ✅ PGWP approved

Example 2 – Unauthorized Break (DANGEROUS ❌):

Student decided to take a term off to travel.

  • Didn’t register for fall term
  • Didn’t get school approval
  • Traveled for 4 months
  • Returned and re-enrolled
  • Applied for PGWP after graduation
  • ❌ PGWP refused – unauthorized break

Example 3 – Financial Break (RISKY ❌):

Student couldn’t afford tuition for winter term.

  • Took term off to work and save money
  • Didn’t formally request leave
  • School didn’t authorize break
  • Re-enrolled next term
  • ❌ PGWP eligibility questionable

Special Circumstances

COVID-19 Considerations:

During pandemic, IRCC made accommodations:

  • Online study from abroad
  • Temporary measures
  • Extended flexibility
  • Check current policies

Current Rules:

  • Verify latest IRCC guidance
  • Pandemic measures may have changed
  • Don’t assume old rules apply
  • Confirm current requirements

Pregnancy/Parental Leave:

If Properly Documented:

  • Medical documentation required
  • School notification essential
  • Official leave of absence
  • Maintain study permit
  • Can affect program length
  • PGWP based on actual time

How to Avoid This Mistake

If You Need to Take a Break:

  1. Get Official Approval:
    • Contact school immediately
    • Request official leave of absence
    • Provide required documentation
    • Get written approval
    • Keep all correspondence
  2. Maintain Study Permit:
    • Ensure study permit remains valid
    • Understand conditions
    • Don’t let it expire
    • Comply with requirements
  3. Medical/Compassionate Reasons:
    • Get doctor’s letter
    • Medical documentation
    • Explain circumstances
    • School authorization
    • IRCC notification if needed
  4. Document Everything:
    • Keep all approval letters
    • Medical documents
    • School correspondence
    • Proof of authorization
    • Timeline documentation

During Scheduled Breaks:

  1. Understand What’s Allowed:
    • Check academic calendar
    • Know authorized break periods
    • Understand limitations
    • Stay informed
  2. Don’t Overstay Breaks:
    • Return on time
    • Register for next term
    • Maintain continuity
    • Active student status

Throughout Program:

  1. Stay Enrolled:
    • Continuous enrollment
    • Every required term
    • No gaps
    • Steady progress
  2. Communicate with School:
    • Any issues immediately
    • Seek guidance
    • Official channels
    • Document interactions
  3. Understand Consequences:
    • Impact on PGWP
    • Status implications
    • Long-term effects
    • Immigration goals

Navigate leaves and breaks properly – get guidance from Visa Master Canada.

Factor #6: Online or Distance Learning Exceeding Limits

In-Person Study Requirements for PGWP

Critical Study Mode Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application could be refused if you completed more than 50% of your program through online or distance learning (with certain exceptions and recent updates).

Standard PGWP Rules

Pre-Pandemic Rules:

❌ No more than 50% of program via distance learning
✅ At least 50% must be in-person in Canada
❌ Programs entirely online don’t qualify
✅ Hybrid programs OK if 50%+ in-person

COVID-19 Temporary Measures

Special Provisions:

Due to pandemic, IRCC implemented temporary measures allowing:

✅ Online study from abroad (certain periods)
✅ 100% online study in Canada
✅ Extended flexibility
✅ Protection of PGWP eligibility

Important: These were temporary measures with specific timeframes and conditions.

Current Rules (2025)

Verify Current Status:

As of 2025, you must check:

  • Whether temporary measures still apply
  • Current online study limits
  • In-person requirements
  • Latest IRCC guidance

Likely Current State:

  • Return to standard 50% rule
  • In-person study required
  • Exceptions may exist
  • Program-specific considerations

How It’s Calculated

50% Rule Application:

By Program Duration:

  • 2-year program = maximum 1 year online
  • 1-year program = maximum 6 months online
  • Calculated over entire program
  • Not per term

What Counts as “Online”:

  • Distance education courses
  • Correspondence courses
  • Online-only delivery
  • Not physically in classroom
  • Remote instruction

What Counts as “In-Person”:

  • Physical classroom attendance
  • On-campus instruction
  • Lab work on campus
  • In-person seminars
  • Campus-based learning

Hybrid Courses:

  • If course has both online and in-person components
  • Usually counted based on primary delivery method
  • School determines classification
  • Verify with institution

Examples

Example 1 – COMPLIANT ✅:

2-year Business Diploma:

  • Year 1: 100% in-person on campus
  • Year 2: 100% in-person on campus
  • Total: 0% online
  • ✅ PGWP eligible

Example 2 – COMPLIANT ✅:

2-year program:

  • 3 terms in-person
  • 1 term online (25% of program)
  • Total: 75% in-person, 25% online
  • ✅ Within 50% limit

Example 3 – NOT COMPLIANT ❌:

1-year program:

  • 2 terms online
  • 1 term in-person (33% in-person)
  • Total: 67% online
  • ❌ Exceeds 50% online limit

Example 4 – PANDEMIC EXCEPTION:

Program during COVID-19:

  • Forced online due to lockdowns
  • Temporary measure period
  • Documented circumstances
  • ✅ Potentially eligible (verify)

Special Situations

Studying from Abroad:

Generally:

  • Must be in Canada for studies
  • Physical presence required
  • Cannot complete from home country
  • In-Canada requirement

Pandemic Exception:

  • Certain periods allowed online from abroad
  • Specific timeframes
  • Protection measures in place
  • Check if your situation covered

Program Format:

Accelerated Online Programs:

  • Even if from eligible institution
  • If 100% online
  • ❌ May not qualify for PGWP
  • Verify before enrolling

Executive/Professional Programs:

  • Weekend/evening in-person
  • Some online components
  • Verify overall delivery method
  • Confirm PGWP eligibility

How to Avoid This Mistake

Before Enrolling:

  1. Verify Program Format:
    • What percentage in-person?
    • What percentage online?
    • How is program delivered?
    • PGWP implications clear?
  2. Get Written Confirmation:
    • School confirms PGWP eligibility
    • Program delivery method documented
    • In-person percentage confirmed
    • Keep documentation

During Your Studies:

  1. Track Study Mode:
    • Record which courses online vs. in-person
    • Calculate running percentage
    • Ensure staying within limits
    • Monitor compliance
  2. Prioritize In-Person:
    • Choose in-person options when available
    • Campus-based courses preferred
    • Physical attendance
    • Stay within limits
  3. COVID Considerations:
    • If forced online due to restrictions
    • Document circumstances
    • Keep school communications
    • Verify temporary measure coverage

For PGWP Application:

  1. Document Study Mode:
    • Transcripts showing delivery method
    • School letter confirming format
    • COVID-related documentation if applicable
    • Proof of compliance
  2. If Uncertain:
    • Consult school registrar
    • Contact IRCC if needed
    • Professional immigration advice
    • Verify before applying

Verify your program’s delivery method complies – get assessment from Visa Master Canada.

Factor #7: Working Off-Campus Without Authorization or Exceeding Hour Limits

Work Violations Can Derail Your PGWP

Critical Work Authorization Rule:

Your post-graduation work permit application will be refused if you worked in Canada without authorization or exceeded allowable work hours while studying.

Study Permit Work Conditions

What’s Allowed:

✅ Off-campus work (up to 20 hours/week):

  • During academic semesters
  • Full-time student status required
  • Study permit allows off-campus work
  • No work permit needed

✅ Unlimited hours during breaks:

  • Scheduled breaks between academic semesters
  • Summer vacation
  • Winter break
  • Spring break

✅ On-campus work:

  • Unlimited hours allowed
  • At your institution
  • Or certain conditions
  • No work permit needed

✅ Co-op/Internship (if program requirement):

  • Must be in work permit conditions
  • Part of curriculum
  • School-approved
  • Properly authorized

Recent Changes:

November 2022 – June 2024 Temporary Measure:

  • Off-campus work limit temporarily removed
  • Could work unlimited hours
  • Temporary policy only
  • Expired

Current Rules (2025):

  • Back to 20 hours/week limit during semesters
  • Unlimited during scheduled breaks
  • Compliance required

Work Violations That Jeopardize PGWP

DANGEROUS Actions:

❌ Exceeding 20 hours/week during semester:

  • Even by one hour
  • Even if accidental
  • No warnings given
  • Affects PGWP

❌ Working without authorization:

  • Before study permit allows work
  • After study permit expires
  • Without valid permit conditions
  • Unauthorized employment

❌ Working for ineligible employer:

  • Employers prohibited by conditions
  • Cannabis industry (in some cases)
  • Adult entertainment
  • Other restricted sectors

❌ Working off-campus without meeting conditions:

  • Not full-time student
  • Not at eligible institution
  • Study permit doesn’t allow work
  • No Social Insurance Number

❌ Continuing to work after completing studies:

  • After program completion
  • Before PGWP issued
  • Without implied status
  • No work authorization

Real Examples

Example 1 – REFUSED ❌:

International student worked part-time at restaurant:

  • Often worked 25-30 hours/week during semester
  • Needed money for living expenses
  • Employer didn’t track hours carefully
  • Applied for PGWP after graduation
  • IRCC checked employment records
  • ❌ PGWP refused – exceeded work hours

Example 2 – REFUSED ❌:

Student graduated in April:

  • Didn’t apply for PGWP immediately
  • Continued working full-time at retail job
  • Assumed it was OK after graduation
  • Applied for PGWP in June
  • ❌ Refused – unauthorized work after completion

Example 3 – APPROVED ✅:

Student worked carefully:

  • Tracked hours meticulously
  • Never exceeded 20 hours during semester
  • Full-time during breaks only
  • Maintained compliance
  • ✅ PGWP approved

How IRCC Knows

Tracking Methods:

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA):

  • T4 slips show earnings
  • Can calculate approximate hours
  • Cross-referenced with study periods
  • Income indicates work hours

Service Canada Records:

  • Employment Insurance (EI) records
  • Social Insurance Number usage
  • Employment verification
  • Historical work data

Employer Reports:

  • Record of Employment (ROE)
  • Payroll records
  • Hour tracking
  • Income reporting

Border Crossing Data:

  • Entry/exit records
  • Travel patterns
  • Time in Canada
  • Presence verification

How to Avoid This Mistake

During Your Studies:

  1. Track Hours Meticulously:
    • Use spreadsheet or app
    • Log every shift
    • Weekly totals
    • Never exceed 20 hours during semester
  2. Communicate with Employer:
    • Explain 20-hour limit
    • Set clear boundaries
    • Firm about restrictions
    • Decline extra shifts if needed
  3. Know Academic Calendar:
    • When semesters start/end
    • When breaks begin
    • Can work full-time during breaks
    • Back to 20-hour limit when classes resume
  4. Multiple Jobs:
    • Total hours across ALL jobs
    • Cannot work 20 hours at each job
    • Combined total must be ≤20 hours
    • Track carefully
  5. Keep Records:
    • Pay stubs
    • Work schedules
    • Hour logs
    • Proof of compliance

After Graduation:

  1. Stop Working (Unless):
    • Unless you apply for PGWP within 180 days
    • AND maintain implied status
    • Then can continue working
  2. Apply Immediately:
    • Submit PGWP application ASAP
    • Maintain authorization to work
    • Don’t delay
  3. Implied Status:
    • If you apply before study permit expires
    • Can continue working under same conditions
    • Until PGWP decision
    • Maintain status

If You Made a Mistake:

Minor Overage:

  • Document circumstances
  • Explain in PGWP application
  • Show it was isolated
  • Demonstrate current compliance

Significant Violation:

  • Consult immigration lawyer
  • Understand consequences
  • Evaluate options
  • Professional assessment

Don’t risk your PGWP – track work hours carefully with guidance from Visa Master Canada.

Take the first step toward your healthcare graduates immigration success today. Contact VisaMasterCanada for a comprehensive immigration assessment and personalized pathway planning.

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