- Canada’s immigration agency has clarified that international students, including Indians, can continue working while studying only if they maintain full-time student status and meet permit conditions, following reports of work permit refusals linked to non-compliance.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a clarification on work eligibility for international students following reports that several post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications, including those from Indian students, were refused due to non-compliance with study permit conditions. The agency reiterated that students must meet all eligibility requirements throughout their studies to qualify for work-related benefits in Canada.
According to IRCC, international students are permitted to work while studying only if they maintain full-time enrolment at a designated learning institution (DLI) and comply with the conditions of their study permit. Students who fail to maintain full-time status without an approved exemption may become ineligible to work during their studies and could face complications when applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The clarification follows concerns among international students after reports emerged of PGWP refusals involving applicants who had switched to part-time studies or failed to meet other academic requirements. IRCC emphasised that each application is assessed individually based on the applicant’s academic records and compliance with immigration regulations.
The agency advised students to carefully monitor their enrolment status, consult their educational institutions before making changes to their course load, and ensure they understand the conditions attached to their study permits. Students are also encouraged to retain documentation supporting any authorised exceptions, such as approved leaves or circumstances that permit temporary part-time study.
Canada remains one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students pursuing higher education. The clarification is intended to help students better understand the rules governing employment during their studies and eligibility for post-study work opportunities, reducing the risk of application refusals due to avoidable compliance issues.
IRCC noted that maintaining valid student status and adhering to immigration requirements are essential for students planning to work during their studies or apply for a post-graduation work permit after completing their academic programmes. The agency encouraged applicants to review the latest guidelines before making academic or employment-related decisions to ensure continued eligibility under Canada’s immigration framework.
