The period of validity of temporary work permission letters granted to foreign graduates residing in Canada while they await the outcome of their work visa application has been extended by Canada.
Instead of the previous 120 days, work authorization letters will now be valid for 180 days after the date of application submission.
What is a letter of interim work authorization?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues interim work authorization letters, which permit foreign graduates to begin employment prior to the IRCC issuing a final decision on their work permit application.
These documents are given to international graduates who, if they apply for a work permit before their study permit expires and meet certain requirements, can work full-time without a work permit while they wait for a decision on their application. This enables graduates to start working before they hear back from the IRCC regarding their application for a work permit.
What requirements must foreign graduates fulfill in order to receive an interim work letter?
- Prior to submitting an application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international graduates who want to work must:
- possessing a current study permit at the time of applying for a work permit;
- possess finished their course of studies;
- have fulfilled the conditions listed below in order to work off campus without a work permit:
- They were enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) full-time;
- They were enrolled in a minimum of eight-month post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program;
- Following their course, they were awarded a degree, diploma, or certificate; and
- Note that from November 15, 2022, to April 30, 2024, students were permitted to work over the standard 20-hour work week restriction, thanks to a temporary public policy implemented by IRCC. The did not surpass the hours of work permitted for full-time students in Canada.
Candidates who have been granted an interim work authorization letter can go on working in Canada even after departing and returning; however, it should be emphasized that many of them will require a valid temporary residence visa in order to do so. A letter authorizing interim work is not the same as a travel document.
What occurs if an application is not decided upon after 180 days?
The IRCC states that applicants may ask the IRCC for further documentation proving their eligibility to work if 180 days have gone by without a decision on their application. You can accomplish this by using the IRCC webform.
