How to Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Break in 2024
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Table of Contents
- Maintaining Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Breaks
- Canada Full Time Status: List of IRCC Approved Exemptions
- Authorized Leave of Absence
- Valid Reasons for Authorized Leave of Absence
- How do You Request an Authorized Leave of Absence?
- Tips to Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Break
- Top 3 Alternatives to Unscheduled Study Breaks
- Immigrate to Canada Safe and Secure with ÿմ Assistance
Maintaining Work Permit eligibility in Canada during study break is a major concern among many international students. The Post Graduate Work Permit is a crucial document for international students in Canada who wish to gain work experience along with qualifying for Canadian permanent residency pathways. Our blog will help you understand how you can take a break from your studies while maintaining work permit eligibility.
Maintaining Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Breaks
To maintain your Post Graduate Work Permit eligibility, you would need to ensure that you maintain a full-time status throughout your study in Canada. “Full-Time” status can vary depending on the university and the school’s credit system.
IRCC Canada however, has made it mandatory that students should at least take up 3 courses per semester.
Students must remember that taking expended breaks outside of the specified scheduled holidays could jeopardise their PGWP eligibility.
Canada Full Time Status: List of IRCC Approved Exemptions
Amongst all these IRCC does approve a few exemptions or unplanned breaks while calculating the PGWP eligibility or full-time status requirements. These include:
- If students were not full-timers during the scheduled time off (i.e., Summer breaks)
- If a student had stopped studying or changed to part-time learning between March 2020 and the fall semester of 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation.
- In case the student was not a full-timer during the last semester of their study
- If a student had taken an authorized leave of absence (for less than 150 days)
Also Read: Intakes in Canada
Authorized Leave of Absence
Students who need to request a leave during their study periods can apply for Authorised Leave of Absence.
This is a document provided by the (student’s) Designated Learning Institution Canada, explaining IRCC the school’s approval to the legitimate reason for which the student needs to take a leave from their studies for a period of less than 150 days.
Valid Reasons for Authorized Leave of Absence
The Authorized Leave of Absence can be requested for different reasons, however, a few of the most common ones include
- Family Emergency
- Medical Illness
- Pregnancy or Parental leaves
- Change of program at the same school
- Mandatory military service
- Suspension from the school
How do You Request an Authorized Leave of Absence?
Different universities in Canada have their own specific process to request an authorized leave of absence letter. However, the common requirements include:
- Copy of Study Permit
- Copy of Canada student visa or eTA
- Copy of Passport
The process to apply for a letter of leave of absence is as follows:
Step 1: Student needs to submit a request petition for a leave of absence letter.
Step 2: Gather and submit the necessary documents to support their request, and the need to pause their studies.
Step 3: Verify your immigration and travel documents (also would need to attach a copy)
Step 4: Many schools have an immigration expert or an international student hub for international student access
Step 5: Receiving your Letter of Authorized leave of absence
Tips to Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Break
To ensure that you maintain eligibility for a work permit Canada while on break we have listed a few suggestions to ensure you remain eligible to work in Canada even with a study break
- Plan in Advance: Before you apply or take any break ensure to research in advance, its potential impact on your immigration status
- Stay Informed and Updated: make sure to be up to date with the Canada Work Permit requirements as IRCC is subject to continuous updates.
- Practice Record Keeping: Ensure to maintain proper records of your academic and work activities, including academic transcripts, approval letters of break, and communication with IRCC that are essential for preserving your eligibility.
- Adhere to Work Restrictions: Ensure to not violate the work restrictions as mentioned in your study permit, as exceeding them could affect your current permit as well as future immigration approvals.
- Timely Resume Your Study: After the completion of break, ensure to resume your studies as soon as possible. Fulfill your academic obligations to maintain your full time status for continuous work permit eligibility
Also Read: International Students in Canada: Big Changes Canada Recently Announced
Top 3 Alternatives to Unscheduled Study Breaks
If you feel that taking a break or a letter of approval is complicated, you could consider the below mentioned 3 alternatives for maintaining work permit eligibility in Canada:
- Reduced Course Load: Rather than opting for a complete break for days or months, you can consider to temporarily reducing your semester or course burden. This can help in better time management while maintaining your work eligibility
- Opt for Online Courses: If your university provides you an option for online courses, consider taking classes remotely during your break and also with the benefit of working part time as you stay enrolled as a student.
- Enroll for Co-op Programs: Consider enrolling for a co-op programs or internships that align work experience with studies. These opportunities often come with their own work permits and can be easily managed along with studies while maintaining your eligibility.
Immigrate to Canada Safe and Secure with ÿմ Assistance
Understanding the requirements and exceptions for maintaining work permit eligibility in Canada during study abroad is crucial for international students aiming to get a PGWP. If you are in dire need of taking a break from your studies, be sure to follow proper steps to apply for an authorized leave of absence to protect your PGWP eligibility in Canada.
Need assistance with immigrating to Canada? Look no further than ÿմ. From documentation handling to interview preparation, and much more we are here to ensure your safe integration into the Canadian nation.
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