To get a PGWP in Canada, you must maintain full-time status, meet the mandatory language minimums (CLB 7 for degree grads; CLB 5 for college grads), and ensure your college program maps to an approved field of study. If you took an authorized study leave (max 150 days), you may still be eligible, but you must include a detailed Letter of Explanation (LOE) and the school’s approval when applying to IRCC.
Studying in Canada is a massive commitment, but life is unpredictable. Whether due to a sudden illness, a family emergency back home, or a financial crisis, many international students in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Halifax are forced to take a temporary break from their studies. This pause is officially known as a leave of absence.
However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has very strict rules regarding your student status and credentials. 📜 The PGWP programme requires continuous, full-time study and meeting specific eligibility criteria. Under the massive PGWP reforms, you must submit valid English or French language test results (minimum CLB 7 for university degree graduates, and CLB 5 for college diploma or certificate graduates). Additionally, for most programs below the bachelor’s degree level, your program must align with the official IRCC-approved list of in-demand fields of study, which remains frozen throughout 2026. Taking an unapproved break or failing to meet these standards can lead to a devastating PGWP refusal. This guide explains how to properly address an authorized leave of absence while meeting all the latest program requirements.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Because immigration is a federal matter, IRCC handles all PGWP applications regardless of whether you studied at a college in Alberta or a university in Ontario. Following these steps closely can help you prove that your leave was authorized and compliant with immigration laws.
Step 1: Obtain Official School Authorization
Before you ever stop attending classes, you must formally request an authorized leave of absence from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). 🖊 IRCC generally only accepts leaves that are 150 days or less. Ensure you keep the formal approval email or letter from your academic advisor.
Step 2: Order Your Final Transcripts and Completion Letter
Once you finally graduate, you must gather your official documents. Your transcript will likely show a gap in enrollment (a “W” for withdrawn or simply a blank semester). This gap is exactly what the IRCC visa officer will notice, which triggers the need for further explanation.
Step 3: Draft a Letter of Explanation (LOE)
This is the most critical step. 📩 You must write a Letter of Explanation (LOE) detailing exactly why you took the leave, when it started, and when you resumed classes. Attach supporting evidence to this letter, such as medical records from a Canadian doctor or a death certificate of a family member, along with the school’s authorization letter.
Step 4: Consult with an Immigration Lawyer
Because a PGWP is generally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, applying with a gap in your studies is risky. Many students choose to hire an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer to review their LOE and application package to ensure it meets IRCC’s strict public policy guidelines.
Step 5: Submit the Application Online via the IRCC Portal
Submit your complete application through your secure IRCC online account, ensuring you include the LOE, the official school approval letter, your valid language test results, and proof of your field of study if applicable. 💻 Make sure you do this within 180 days of receiving your final grades. To be eligible, you must either hold valid temporary resident status in Canada (such as an active study permit or visitor status via a Visitor Record), apply to restore your student status within 90 days if your study permit has expired, or submit your application from outside of Canada within 180 days of graduation.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Applying for a PGWP involves federal processing fees and, frequently, legal fees if your case involves a study gap. 💰 As of May 2026, here are the general costs in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Service / Fee | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC PGWP Processing Fee | $255 | Includes the $155 work permit fee and the $100 open work permit holder fee. |
| Language Proficiency Test | $300 – $350 | Mandatory for all 2026 applicants (CELPIP, IELTS, PTE Core, etc.) to prove CLB 5 or 7. |
| Biometrics (If required) | $85 | Required if your previous biometrics have expired after 10 years. |
| Lawyer Fees (LOE Drafting & Review) | $500 – $1,500+ | A law firm will charge to draft a compelling legal argument explaining your leave. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Standard PGWP processing times vary greatly depending on IRCC’s current backlog. Generally, online applications from within Canada take between 2 to 4 months to be processed. If you submit a complex application with a Letter of Explanation, the reviewing officer may take slightly longer to verify your authorized leave documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work in Canada during my leave of absence?
No. This is a very common and dangerous mistake. If you take a leave of absence from your studies, you are no longer a full-time student, which means you instantly lose your authorization to work on or off-campus. Working during this time is illegal and can ruin your chances of getting a PGWP.
What happens if my leave was longer than 150 days?
Under IRCC rules, if your leave exceeds 150 days, you must change your status to a visitor or leave Canada. If you stayed in Canada as a student but did not study for more than 150 days, an immigration officer may determine you failed to comply with your study permit conditions, likely leading to a PGWP refusal.
Do I need a doctor’s note for a medical leave?
Yes. If your leave of absence was due to physical or mental health reasons, providing a detailed letter from a licensed medical professional in Canada is one of the strongest ways to support your Letter of Explanation.
What if my school forced me to take a semester off?
Sometimes a required course is not offered in a specific semester, forcing a break. You must get an official letter from your academic department explaining that this break was a mandatory structural issue with the programme, not a voluntary gap, to protect your PGWP eligibility.
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