I've accidentally worked 3 months during leave of absence as international student.

[michael11358]

I've been in Canada for 6 years as a student. I took a 1 year authorized leave of absence from sep 2018 - sep 2019.
I was under impression that i can use my study permit to work off campus full time. because i thought that LOA is as same as scheduled break and my academic advisor said that there shouldn't be a problem.

Last week i, by accident, found out that i'm not allowed to work off campus on LOA. I had no idea.

For that reason i cancelled my LOA and going back to school this January (in 1.5 month).

Did anybody else have this experience?

What do I do now?

 

[scylla]

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do at this point - what's done is done. An LOA is not the same as a scheduled break - the work was certainly illegal. Note that a leave of absence can also impact your ability to get a PGWP approved. Qualifying for a PGWP requires continuous studies with no unscheduled breaks. In the end, whether the illegal work and/or unscheduled break will impact your PGWP is really impossible for any of us to say. That will be up to the visa officer processing your application.

 

[michael11358]

Thank you for your reply.

Do you know if I’d be eligible to apply for PR under common-law class taking into account these circumstances?

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do at this point - what's done is done. An LOA is not the same as a scheduled break - the work was certainly illegal. Note that a leave of absence can also impact your ability to get a PGWP approved. Qualifying for a PGWP requires continuous studies with no unscheduled breaks. In the end, whether the illegal work and/or unscheduled break will impact your PGWP is really impossible for any of us to say. That will be up to the visa officer processing your application.

 

[scylla]

Thank you for your reply.

Do you know if I’d be eligible to apply for PR under common-law class taking into account these circumstances?

Yes - you'll be eligible.

 

[michael11358]

That’s good news.

Maybe there’s a place on the PR application where I should mention that I’ve accidentally worked during LOA?

 

[scylla]

That’s good news.

Maybe there’s a place on the PR application where I should mention that I’ve accidentally worked during LOA?

You should always be 100% honest in applications.

You also want to make sure you don't do any further work illegally. Too much of this can sometimes jeopardize spousal sponsorship applications and make IRCC concerns you're in a marriage/relationship of convenience.

 

[MickeyMoore05]

Hey Michael11358 I have the same exact situation and I’m planning on applying for express entry. How is yours going?

 

[Arirangi071016]

I've been in Canada for 6 years as a student. I took a 1 year authorized leave of absence from sep 2018 - sep 2019.
I was under impression that i can use my study permit to work off campus full time. because i thought that LOA is as same as scheduled break and my academic advisor said that there shouldn't be a problem.

Last week i, by accident, found out that i'm not allowed to work off campus on LOA. I had no idea.

For that reason i cancelled my LOA and going back to school this January (in 1.5 month).

Did anybody else have this experience?

What do I do now?

Hi Michael, how did you go with the PR application. Thanks,

 

[17ha15]

Unfortunately there's nothing you can do at this point - what's done is done. An LOA is not the same as a scheduled break - the work was certainly illegal. Note that a leave of absence can also impact your ability to get a PGWP approved. Qualifying for a PGWP requires continuous studies with no unscheduled breaks. In the end, whether the illegal work and/or unscheduled break will impact your PGWP is really impossible for any of us to say. That will be up to the visa officer processing your application.

but in the new rules, it says that if the LOA was valid and logical and approved by the university, applicant can be eligible for PGWP

 

[sector18]

but in the new rules, it says that if the LOA was valid and logical and approved by the university, applicant can be eligible for PGWP

Could you provide more information on the new rule? Thank you!

 

[ricardoavocado]

Hi everyone! I'm interested in the outcome of this as the information is difficult to find. Thank you

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone! I'm interested in the outcome of this as the information is difficult to find. Thank you

Every situation is different. Government can also change their priorities. If they think illegal work of students becoming too big of a program they can make an example of people so students working illegallly so others start following the rules. In general it it an especially bad idea to work While on a leave of absence. That period will be scrutinized more than other periods.

 

[oyalitit]

I've been in Canada for 6 years as a student. I took a 1 year authorized leave of absence from sep 2018 - sep 2019.
I was under impression that i can use my study permit to work off campus full time. because i thought that LOA is as same as scheduled break and my academic advisor said that there shouldn't be a problem.

Last week i, by accident, found out that i'm not allowed to work off campus on LOA. I had no idea.

For that reason i cancelled my LOA and going back to school this January (in 1.5 month).

Did anybody else have this experience?

What do I do now?

How is it going...We need an update please