Many international students panic when they realize they were part-time in their final semester. A common fear is that this one detail could jeopardize their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and future plans in Canada.
The good news?
Being part-time in your last semester does not automatically make you ineligible for a PGWP.
At Eiffel Immigration, we regularly help students in this exact situation successfully obtain their PGWP—when the application is prepared correctly.
Understanding IRCC’s Rules on Part-Time Studies
IRCC generally requires international students to maintain full-time status during each academic session of their program. However, there is an important exception.
You may still be eligible for a PGWP if:
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You studied full-time throughout your program, and
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You became part-time only in your final semester, and
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The part-time status was due to a reduced course load or one remaining subject required to graduate
This exception is recognized by IRCC—but it must be clearly explained.
Why the Explanation Matters
While IRCC allows a part-time final semester, officers rely heavily on the information and documents you submit. One unclear or incomplete explanation can result in refusal.
Common mistakes include:
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Not explaining why the final term was part-time
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Missing confirmation from the school
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Submitting inconsistent transcripts or enrollment letters
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Assuming IRCC will “understand” without documentation
A well-prepared explanation can make the difference between approval and refusal.
Documents That Strengthen a Part-Time Final Semester PGWP Application
If you were part-time in your last semester, your PGWP application should clearly show that this was allowed under IRCC policy. Strong supporting documents may include:
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Official transcript showing full-time study in previous semesters
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Enrollment letter confirming part-time status in the final term only
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Letter from the institution explaining the reduced course load
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Letter of explanation (LOE) addressing your part-time status clearly and professionally
Each document must align with IRCC requirements and your study history.
Can Part-Time Status Affect Your Future PR Plans?
Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) plays a crucial role in your long-term immigration journey. When approved correctly, a PGWP allows you to work full-time anywhere in Canada, without employer restrictions. This full-time employment enables you to gain valuable Canadian skilled work experience, which is a key requirement for most permanent residency programs.
With approved Canadian work experience, you may become eligible for major PR pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other employer-driven or occupation-specific streams. These programs often prioritize candidates who have already studied, lived, and worked in Canada, making PGWP holders highly competitive.
However, a PGWP refusal—especially due to unresolved concerns about part-time studies—can significantly delay or complicate your PR plans. A refusal may result in loss of work authorization, gaps in status, and missed opportunities to accumulate qualifying work experience. In some cases, it may also require additional applications, restoration of status, or alternative permit strategies, all of which can increase stress, cost, and timelines.
That is why it is critical to handle a part-time final semester with care. Proper documentation, a clear explanation, and compliance with IRCC guidelines can protect your PGWP approval—and, in turn, safeguard your pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
How Eiffel Immigration Helps International Students
At Eiffel Immigration, we provide end-to-end support to international students navigating PGWP applications—especially in cases involving a part-time final semester, where precision and clarity are critical.
Our services include in-depth PGWP eligibility assessments, where we carefully review your study history, enrollment status, transcripts, and institutional policies to confirm compliance with IRCC requirements. We then prepare strategic and well-structured explanation letters that clearly justify part-time enrollment in the final term, aligning your circumstances with IRCC’s guidelines and officer expectations.
We also conduct a thorough document review to ensure consistency across transcripts, enrollment letters, completion letters, and application forms—minimizing the risk of misinterpretation or refusal due to discrepancies.
Beyond PGWP approval, we assist with long-term PR pathway planning, helping you transition from a work permit to permanent residency through options such as CEC, Express Entry, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Our focus is on presenting your case clearly, accurately, and confidently, ensuring IRCC understands your academic journey and eligibility without ambiguity.
Final Thoughts
If you became part-time in your last semester, don’t panic. This situation is common—and many students are still approved for PGWP every year.
The key is how you explain it.
Before applying, make sure your application tells the full story and meets IRCC expectations.
📞 Contact Eiffel Immigration today to get expert guidance on your PGWP application and protect your future in Canada.
