International students aiming to secure a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) must maintain full-time student status throughout their studies, with only two exceptions:

• Those on an authorized leave of absence.
• Students in their final semester.

This article delves into the times when international students can be exempt from full-time status while remaining eligible for a PGWP, outlining the essential conditions they must adhere to.

Defining Full-Time Status

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a full-time student is one who commits to a study schedule with a minimum of 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year, encompassing both classroom sessions and any practical training integral to their program.

The determination of full-time study status is at the discretion of the student’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

Authorized Leave of Absence

In certain instances, students may be granted permission by their institution to take a leave of absence from their studies and still meet the conditions of their study permit, preserving PGWP eligibility.

This is known as an ‘authorized leave of absence.’

For a leave to be deemed authorized, it must be sanctioned by the DLI and should not exceed 150 days.

Moreover, the rationale for the student’s study interruption must align with specific criteria:

• Medical reasons, pregnancy, family emergencies, serious illness or death of a family member, or other approved leaves by the school.
• School closure or strike.
• Transfer to a different school.
• Program start date deferral by the student or school.

During an authorized leave, students are not permitted to work on or off-campus, even if their study permit allows employment in Canada.

Students are not required to notify IRCC when taking an authorized leave of absence. However, when applying for the PGWP, they must demonstrate to IRCC that their leave of absence was compliant.