Frequently Asked Questions Related to Work Authorization

I am currently on a scheduled break. Can I take some courses and still work full-time?          

Yes, students who are enrolled full-time during the academic session before and after a regularly scheduled break and who enrol in a full-time or part-time course load during that regularly scheduled break, are eligible to work off campus on a full-time basis. 

Please visit IRCC website for more details. 

 

If I finish one program and plan to begin a second program, can I work off campus during the gap?          

Yes, you can work full-time for 150 consecutive days if you fulfill all the following requirements: 

  • You were already able to work off campus during your previous studies. 
  • You have a valid study permit or you applied to extend your study permit before it expired. 
  • You received written confirmation from your current school that you completed your program. 
  • You received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI. 
  • You’ll start your new program within 150 calendar days of receiving the confirmation that you completed your previous program. 

Please visit IRCC website for more details. 

 

Information for International students graduating in the end of the term: 

Language Requirements for PGWP applications submitted after November 1, 2024. 

You must provide proof of language ability to meet the language requirements for the PGWP when you submit your application.
 

  • Language requirement: You must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all 4 language areas (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) . 
  • Your test results must be less than 2 years old when you submit your application. IRCC accepts language test results from these tests: 
  • Accepted tests: 
  • CELPIP General 
  • IELTS General 
  • PTE Core 
  • TEF Canada (French) 
  • TCF Canada (French) 

 

Can I work while I wait for my academic results, if my classes are complete?  

Yes, you can work up to 24 hours a week until you receive your letter of completion or until your final grades are posted. 

The Completion Letter is typically issued 5 to 6 weeks after your final grades are submitted, according to the Academic Calendar. You should monitor RRC student email daily to check if your completion letter has been released. 

 

When I receive my completion letter/final grades, can I continue working? 

No, as soon as you receive written confirmation from Red River Polytech that you have completed your program and are eligible to graduate, you are no longer considered a student and must stop working. 

 

After I submit my application, can I work while IRCC processes my application?  

You can work full-time until IRCC renders a decision regarding your PGWP application if you meet the following requirements: 

  • You had a valid study permit when you submitted your application. 
  • You completed your program of study. 
  • You were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying and you did not work more hours than you were authorized. 

 

My study permit expired and I have applied for restoration of status, a new study permit and PGWP at the same time. Can I work while awaiting a decision? 

No, you must hold a valid study permit when you apply to be eligible to work while your application is in process. In this case, you must wait until your PGWP arrives to begin to work.