Can You Work While Waiting for PGWP? | IRCC Rules Explained

Summary

This video provides essential information for international students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada. It outlines the eligibility criteria for working while your PGWP application is being processed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a valid study permit. The consultant explains the conditions to meet, including having completed your studies, complying with off-campus work rules, and applying before your study permit expires. The video also warns about the risks of unauthorized work and stresses the importance of extending your study permit if needed to avoid non-compliance issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you can generally work full-time while your application is being processed, but certain conditions must be met.
• 😀 To be eligible to work while your PGWP application is under review, you must have a valid study permit at the time of application.
• 😀 The conditions for working while your PGWP application is in progress include having completed your study program and being allowed to work off-campus during your studies.
• 😀 If your study permit has expired, you must extend it before applying for PGWP to maintain eligibility for implied status.
• 😀 If you fail to meet the conditions, such as not having a valid study permit at the time of your PGWP application, working could be considered unauthorized.
• 😀 Even if your study permit extension is pending, you cannot work unless the extension has been approved before applying for PGWP.
• 😀 If your study permit expires after you finish your studies but before your PGWP application is approved, you cannot work until the PGWP is granted.
• 😀 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could take enforcement action if it discovers unauthorized work while your PGWP is pending.
• 😀 It is recommended to apply for your PGWP while your study permit is still valid to avoid complications and ensure you can work without issues.
• 😀 If your study permit is expiring soon, apply for an extension well in advance (preferably one year before expiration) to avoid delays in getting your PGWP approved and maintaining eligibility to work.

Q & A

Can I start working immediately after applying for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

Yes, in most cases, you can start working full-time after applying for PGWP, but only if certain conditions are met, such as having a valid study permit and having completed your program of study.

What conditions must be met to work while my PGWP application is in process?

To work while your PGWP application is being processed, you must meet the following conditions: 1) Have a valid study permit at the time of your PGWP application, 2) Have completed your program of study, 3) Be authorized to work off-campus during your study, and 4) Have complied with work-hour restrictions (no more than 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions).

What happens if my study permit has expired when I apply for PGWP?

If your study permit has expired when you apply for your PGWP, you will not be authorized to work until your PGWP is approved. Work done during this period will be considered unauthorized, which could lead to penalties or other enforcement actions.

Can I work if my study permit is about to expire before I apply for PGWP?

If your study permit is about to expire, you should apply for an extension well in advance to maintain a valid study permit. If you apply for PGWP after your study permit has expired, you won’t be eligible to work until PGWP approval.

What are the main conditions listed in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations for working while waiting for PGWP approval?

The main conditions include having a valid study permit at the time of PGWP application, complying with the conditions of your study permit (such as being a full-time student and not exceeding 24 hours of work per week during academic sessions), and applying for PGWP before your study permit expires.

What should I do if I cannot apply for PGWP before my study permit expires?

If you cannot apply for PGWP before your study permit expires, you should apply for a study permit extension as soon as possible to ensure you maintain valid status. This way, you can work legally while waiting for your PGWP.

What could happen if I work while my study permit is expired but my PGWP application is under process?

If you work while your study permit is expired, even though your PGWP application is under process, the work will be considered unauthorized. IRCC may find you non-compliant, which can result in penalties or enforcement actions.

How can I avoid the risk of unauthorized work during the PGWP application process?

To avoid unauthorized work, ensure that your study permit is valid when applying for PGWP. If your study permit is expiring soon, apply for a study permit extension in advance. Only work once you are authorized under implied status after applying for PGWP.

What is implied status, and how does it relate to working while waiting for PGWP approval?

Implied status means that as long as your study permit is valid when you apply for PGWP, you are legally allowed to stay in Canada and continue working under the same conditions as your previous permit until a decision is made on your PGWP application.

What should I do if I am unsure about whether I can work while my PGWP application is pending?

If you are unsure whether you can work, it is safest to avoid working until your PGWP is approved. If you are in doubt, consider consulting an immigration consultant for specific advice based on your situation.