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International student rights

What’s your study-permit situation? Start here.

Pick where you are and see the key date, what the official rules say, and where to read them.

Federal immigration law100% freeNo accountLegal information, not advice

Applying for PGWP

IRPR s.205(c)(ii), administrative code C43 (IRCC instructions)

IRCC counts 180 days from confirmation that the program is complete

The key date

180
days from confirmation of completion
IRCC's eligibility page says to apply within 180 days of confirmation that the program was completed. Its instructions to officers count from the earliest of three days: final marks issued, written notification of completion received, or the credential issued. The study permit must have been valid at some point in the 180 days after completing the program.

What the rules say

  1. 1
    Language results
    IRCC requires proof of English or French skills, except for graduates of a PGWP-eligible flight school. The minimum level depends on the program.
  2. 2
    Field of study
    Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates have no field-of-study requirement. Other programs can have one, depending on the program and when the study permit application was submitted.
  3. 3
    Working while waiting
    IRCC says the study permit must still be valid when the application is submitted for a graduate to work while waiting for a decision.

The source

IRPR s.205(c)(ii), administrative code C43 (IRCC instructions)

"The work permit will be issued under the authority of subparagraph R205(c)(ii), administrative code C43."

IRPR s.205(c)(ii)IRPR s.186(w)
Read the IRCC officer instructions→Read IRCC on PGWP eligibility→

Legal information, not legal advice. Checked against official sources on 5 November 2026. Immigration rules change often, so the current IRCC page or a licensed immigration professional is the place to confirm them.

🛡️ You have rights as a student

Protections that apply to your studies

On your permit
Your conditions are set out
IRPR s.185, s.220.1

A study permit can carry conditions on level of studies, work on or off campus and the date to stop studying. Holders who are not exempt must stay enrolled at the named school and actively pursue their program.

While working
You can work within limits
IRPR s.186

Eligible full-time students have no hour limit on campus. Off campus the limit is 24 hours a week in a regular session, with unlimited hours in school-scheduled breaks of at least 7 days, up to 180 days a year.

If status lapses
Restoration may be available
IRPR s.182

A student who lost status may apply within 90 days to restore it. Conditions apply and approval is not guaranteed.

In an academic case
Internal appeals can matter
Harelkin (SCC, 1979)

The Supreme Court declined to step in for a student who was not heard, because an adequate internal appeal was available.

Court decisions

Eight Supreme Court of Canada and Federal Court decisions, each linked to the court’s own report.

Read the decisions