Many international students, even those who are very careful not to work more than the 20 hours per week authorized by their study permit, can be unaware of working more than they should after they finish their last school term.
The rules are slightly complicated, but they are not too hard for students who have almost graduated from Carleton University! The consequences of not knowing them range from having to claim and explain unauthorized work on your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application and on every immigration application in the future, having to wait until your PGWP is approved until you are allowed to work, or even being refused a PGWP altogether.
That’s your motivation. Here are the rules.
Until you receive confirmation that you are eligible to graduate: You have your usual school term work privileges that are limited to 20 hours per week off-campus. You can’t work full-time as if you are on a school break because you aren’t returning to school.
Once you receive the confirmation: You have no work privileges, either on- or off- campus.
Once you apply for the PGWP — If all of the following is true, you may work full-time:
• You have a valid study permit at the time you submit the application.
• You were eligible to work off-campus while studying
• You have not worked more than authorized by your study permit
If your employer needs proof put together your study permit, the Acknowledgement of Receipt from your online application, your sworn statement on IMM 5710, and refer them to Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, section 186(w). This regulation explains that you are allowed to work without a permit while waiting for a decision on your PGWP decision.
If your PGWP should be refused, then you must stop working. Please consult the ISSO’s immigration advising team (immigration.advising@carleton.ca) regarding your options for next steps.