How to Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Break in 2025

International students in Canada often take scheduled study breaks, but understanding how to maintain Work Permit eligibility in Canada during study break is essential to avoid violations. According to IRCC, students must remain enrolled and actively pursue their studies to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). If the break is longer than 150 days or not officially recognized, it may lead to ineligibility for the PGWP.

The IRCC also mandates that the study break must be part of the student’s academic calendar, such as a summer break or an institutional semester gap. During this time, students may still work up to 20 hours per week if enrolled full-time before and after the break. This blog explains the exact conditions and documentation needed to protect your work permit status.

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 studies 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 extended 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:

1. If students were not full-timers during the scheduled time off (i.e., Summer breaks)
2. 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.
3. In case the student was not a full-timer during the last semester of their study
4. If a student had taken an authorized leave of absence (for less than 150 days)

Also Read: Fall, Winter and Summer Intakes in Canada for 2024-25

Authorized Leave of Absence

Students who need to request 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 to IRCC the school’s approval for the legitimate reason for which the student needs to take a leave from their studies for a period of less than 150 days.

What Counts as an Authorized Leave?

Understanding what counts as an authorized leave is crucial for maintaining your student status in Canada. Authorized leaves allow students to temporarily pause their studies without affecting their eligibility for future permits, provided specific conditions are met.

Here are situations that qualify as an authorized leave (maximum 150 days):

• The leave is approved by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and does not exceed 150 days.
• It’s granted due to medical reasons or pregnancy.
• There is a family emergency, or the death/serious illness of a family member.
• Your school has closed permanently or due to a strike.
• You’ve changed schools and are awaiting enrollment in a new program.
• You or your school has deferred your program start date (you must begin in the next available semester, even if it’s sooner than 150 days, with an updated acceptance letter).
• Any other reason your DLI officially recognizes as valid leave.

Quick Read: List of Documents Required for Canada Student Visa Process from India in 2025

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 Leave
• Change of program at the same school
• Mandatory military service
• Suspension from the school

Check Out: Students Working Hours in Canada in 2025

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 a Canada student visa or eTA
• Copy of Passport

The process to apply for a letter of leave of absence is as follows:

Step 1: The 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

Explore: 10 Best Part Time Jobs in Canada for International Students (2025)

Tips to Maintain Work Permit Eligibility in Canada During Study Break

Maintaining your work permit eligibility during a study break in Canada requires closely following IRCC guidelines. Any misstep can affect your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. Here are five key tips to help you stay compliant throughout your break.

• Ensure Your Break is Recognized by Your DLI: Your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must authorize the break and include it in your academic records. IRCC only accepts breaks verified and approved by your institution.
• Keep the Break Within the 150-Day Limit: Authorized leaves cannot exceed 150 days from the date they begin. If your leave goes beyond this limit, your eligibility for a PGWP may be revoked.
• Do Not Work During the Authorized Leave: The Government of Canada clearly states you cannot work on or off campus during an authorized leave, even if your study permit includes work conditions. Violating this rule may lead to loss of status or future permit ineligibility.
• Maintain Full-Time Enrollment Before and After the Break: You must be a full-time student in the academic sessions before and after your authorized leave. This is a key condition to show you are actively pursuing your studies.
• Collect and Keep Proof of Leave Authorization: Secure an official letter from your DLI stating the reason for your leave, its approval, and its exact duration. You’ll need this if IRCC requests supporting documentation later.

Also Read: Guide to Canada Student Visa Processing Time in 2025

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 following 3 alternatives for maintaining work permit eligibility in Canada:

1. Reduced Course Load: Rather than opting for a complete break for days or months, you can consider temporarily reducing your semester or course burden. This can help in better time management while maintaining your work eligibility
2. Opt for Online Courses: If your university provides you with 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.
3. Enroll for Co-op Programs: Consider enrolling for a co-op program 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 GetGIS 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 GetGIS. 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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