How to Work Legally After Your Interim PGWP Authorization Expires

International students in Canada often breathe a sigh of relief when they finish their studies and submit their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application. The PGWP allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, begin full-time employment, and transition into the next stage of their immigration journey. However, as PGWP processing times grow longer, many recent graduates are encountering an unexpected dilemma: their interim work authorization letter expires before their PGWP is approved.

This comprehensive guide will help you understand why this is possible, how to verify your own eligibility, and how to communicate with your employer.

Why Interim Work Authorization Expires Before the PGWP Decision

When you submit a PGWP application from inside Canada, you may receive an interim work authorization letter (IMM 0127 E). This document allows you to work full-time while IRCC processes your application. It typically has a validity period of 180 days.

However, current IRCC processing times for in-Canada work permit applications frequently exceed that period. In some cases, processing times have stretched past 200 days. Since IRCC processes applications at different speeds depending on volume and complexity, many students find themselves with an expired interim authorization while still waiting for a PGWP decision.

Fortunately, IRCC has made this situation clear on their website: you may continue working full-time after the 180-day validity period expires, provided you met all PGWP eligibility requirements when you applied.

Understanding Whether You Can Continue Working Legally

It is crucial to confirm that you were eligible to work when you submitted your PGWP application. IRCC allows applicants to continue working only if they meet all of the following conditions:

1. You held a valid study permit at the time of PGWP submission

Your study permit must not have expired before you submitted your PGWP application. If it was valid on the date IRCC received your application, you meet this requirement.

2. You completed your program of study

You must have finished all program requirements before applying for the PGWP. Most students use a completion letter or final transcript as proof.

3. You were eligible to work off campus during your studies

IRCC permits most full-time students to work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular semesters (sometimes more under temporary public policies). You must not have worked beyond your permitted hours.

If you met all these conditions when you applied, IRCC considers you authorized to continue working—even beyond the 180-day validity on your interim letter.

What If You Never Received an Interim Work Authorization Letter?

Not every PGWP applicant receives this letter. If you applied before completing your program, applied incorrectly, or were not eligible to work after your studies, IRCC may not issue interim authorization.

If you did not receive this letter, you may not be allowed to work while your PGWP is in progress. In this situation, it is strongly recommended to:

• Review your application submission date
  
• Confirm your study permit conditions
  
• Contact IRCC through the web form for clarification, or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional

What Happens If Your PGWP Is Refused?

If IRCC ultimately refuses your PGWP application, you must stop working immediately upon receiving notification. Your work authorization ends the moment you receive the refusal, regardless of your interim status.

You may still have options after refusal—such as restoration of status or reapplication—but you cannot legally continue working until a new authorization is granted.

How To Provide Your Employer With Confirmation of Work Eligibility

Employers sometimes hesitate to continue employment when they see the expiry date on the interim authorization letter. Thankfully, there are two effective ways to reassure them.

1. Request Written Confirmation from IRCC Through the Web Form

IRCC’s web form allows applicants to request official confirmation of their ongoing work authorization. This is often accepted by employers as reliable proof.

To do this:

1. Visit the official IRCC website
   
2. Search for “IRCC web form” or navigate to the “Contact Us” section
   
3. Choose the category related to your application
   
4. Provide your application details
   
5. Request written confirmation of your ability to continue working

IRCC will respond with documentation that you can share directly with your employer.

2. Provide Supporting Documents Immediately If Needed

If you cannot wait for IRCC’s response, you can provide a combination of the following documents:

• Interim work authorization letter (IMM 0127 E)
  
• Official program completion letter or transcript
  
• Copy of your study permit, including the work conditions
  
• Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) for your PGWP application

For eligibility, the AOR must have been issued before your study permit expired.

Final Thoughts: Staying Confident and Compliant

An expiring interim work authorization can feel alarming, but Canadian immigration regulations are designed to support graduates transitioning into the workforce. If you meet all eligibility requirements when applying for your PGWP, IRCC clearly states that you may continue working legally—even if the date on your interim letter has passed.

Stay informed, keep your documentation organized, and communicate proactively with your employer. With the correct understanding of your rights and responsibilities, you can continue working confidently while IRCC completes your PGWP processing.