Guide to Off-Campus Jobs Before Your PGWP

How to Handle Off-Campus Jobs Before Your PGWP

Working while studying in Canada helps international students gain practical experience and manage living expenses. However, students must strictly follow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules. A small mistake can lead to serious immigration consequences.

This blog explains who can work off-campus, when students must stop working, the risks of non-compliance, and why following the rules matters before applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

I. Eligibility for Off-Campus Work

To work off-campus in Canada, students must meet the conditions under R186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

You may work off-campus only if:

• You are enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Your program is longer than 6 months.
• Your program leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You hold a valid study permit that allows off-campus work.
• You do not work more than 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
• You work full-time only during scheduled academic breaks such as summer or winter holidays.

Important Clarifications

• Students must not enroll in multiple programs at the same time to continue working.
• Applying for a work permit or study permit extension can affect off-campus work eligibility.
• You may work part-time (20 hours per week) until you receive official confirmation of program completion.
• If your study permit expires before you receive completion confirmation, you must stop working immediately.

II. Working Between Two Programs

Students who complete one program and plan to start another may continue working full-time if all the following conditions apply:

• The new program starts within 150 days of receiving completion confirmation.
• You remain in Canada.
• You held a valid study permit at the time of completion.
• You met all off-campus work conditions before completing your first program.

Once your new program begins, you must return to 20 hours per week during academic sessions.

III. Program Completion and Work Authorization

You must stop working once your institution issues an official letter confirming program completion.

At this stage, you should:

• Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or
• Change your status to visitor, if you do not plan to work.

Continuing to work after program completion without proper authorization counts as unauthorized employment.

IV. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Breaking off-campus work rules can seriously affect your immigration future. IRCC may take the following actions:

• Cancel your study permit
• Refuse future study or work permit applications
• Issue a removal order
• Declare you inadmissible to Canada

Even unintentional violations can create long-term problems in permanent residence or work permit applications.

V. Why Following the Rules Matters

IRCC expects international students to follow all study and work conditions carefully. Before starting any job, students should confirm their eligibility and understand weekly hour limits.

Students must also report changes related to:

• Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Program of study
• Enrollment status

Failure to update IRCC can result in non-compliance.

VI. Planning for Your PGWP

Students who plan to work in Canada after graduation must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Key points to remember:

• Apply before your study permit expires
• Apply within 180 days of receiving completion confirmation
• Ensure your program and institution are PGWP-eligible

A PGWP allows eligible graduates to work in Canada for up to three years.

Final Thoughts

Working off-campus can greatly benefit international students in Canada. However, success depends on understanding and following IRCC regulations. One mistake can impact your ability to work, study, or settle permanently in Canada.

If you have questions about off-campus work, program completion, or PGWP eligibility, contact SPS Canada Immigration Inc. Our licensed immigration professionals can guide you and help you stay compliant at every stage of your journey.