Accidental unauthorized work (12 days) between graduation and PGWP application. Applying for PR now. Advice needed: do I need an LOE?

[obriel]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently completing my Permanent Residency (PR) application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), but I’m worried about a mistake I made in 2024.

The situation: I was a student for two and a half years and always followed the rules (working 20 hours during sessions and full-time during breaks). After I completed my co-op, I received my completion letter on May 8, 2024. At the time, I didn't realize that my authorization to work as a student ended the moment I received that letter, even though my study permit and co-op work permit were still valid for another eight months(December 2024).

I applied for my PGWP on May 20. During those 12 days in between, I continued working my part-time kitchen job (not claiming any points on this job) totalling about 47.5 hours during that period (24h/week).

My dilemma: I now realize this was technically 'unauthorized work' because I was no longer a student and had not yet applied for the PGWP to gain 'maintained status.'

• ⁠Should I proactively include a Letter of Explanation (LOE) with my PR application explaining that this was a good-faith mistake?
• ⁠Has anyone had a similar 'gap' of a few days or weeks and still had their PR approved?
• ⁠Does IRCC typically see this as a reason for rejection (misrepresentation) if I disclose it honestly, or should I omit the LOE and hope it passes?
• Should I just let it pass since I am not claiming any points from this part time job?

I want to be 100% transparent, but I'm terrified this 12-day oversight will ruin my five-year journey here.

Thanks for any insights!

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently completing my Permanent Residency (PR) application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), but I’m worried about a mistake I made in 2024.

The situation: I was a student for two and a half years and always followed the rules (working 20 hours during sessions and full-time during breaks). After I completed my co-op, I received my completion letter on May 8, 2024. At the time, I didn't realize that my authorization to work as a student ended the moment I received that letter, even though my study permit and co-op work permit were still valid for another eight months(December 2024).

I applied for my PGWP on May 20. During those 12 days in between, I continued working my part-time kitchen job (not claiming any points on this job) totalling about 47.5 hours during that period (24h/week).

My dilemma: I now realize this was technically 'unauthorized work' because I was no longer a student and had not yet applied for the PGWP to gain 'maintained status.'

• ⁠Should I proactively include a Letter of Explanation (LOE) with my PR application explaining that this was a good-faith mistake?
• ⁠Has anyone had a similar 'gap' of a few days or weeks and still had their PR approved?
• ⁠Does IRCC typically see this as a reason for rejection (misrepresentation) if I disclose it honestly, or should I omit the LOE and hope it passes?
• Should I just let it pass since I am not claiming any points from this part time job?

I want to be 100% transparent, but I'm terrified this 12-day oversight will ruin my five-year journey here.

Thanks for any insights!

Would check with a lawyer given how strict IRCC has become but in the past being transparent, explaining you didn’t understand the rules, that you have always followed the rules when it comes to working in Canada and be extremely apologetic worked. Don’t count the time towards work history in Canada.