Possibly un-authorized work and complexity

[Jabel]

Hi everyone,
I’m posting here with a very heavy heart and hoping for some guidance from experienced members. This situation has been causing me a lot of stress and anxiety.
My timeline (brief):
PGWP: May 2022 – May 2025
Study permit approved: June 2025 (never started studies)
NS PNP nomination: July , 2025
Applied T13 (LMIA-exempt) WP: Aug 2025 – get implied wp.
Non-Express Entry PR applied: Oct 2025
Work permit refused: Dec 2025 → I stopped working immediately
Current status: Visitor record holder
Refusal reason : not being admitted at the time of submission.
As you have failed to comply with our request to provide this information, as per A16(1) of theAct, your application is refused.Your status in Canada is valid until September 07, 2026.
The issue:
From Aug–Dec 2025, I worked full-time for my PNP employer believing I was legally authorized under implied status. Unfortunately, I later found out that the implied authorization was actually tied to a co-op work permit linked to my college, not the T13 WP.
I relied completely on my licensed agent, who repeatedly assured me that everything was fine. I genuinely did not know otherwise.
I have no prior immigration violations. The refusal letter mentioned the application was refused because it was submitted from an invalid study permit.
My questions:
How should I explain these 4 months of work in my next work permit or PR application ?
Should this be explained through a LOE, un-authorized work declaration or both?
Has anyone here faced a similar situation due to agent error, and how did IRCC view it?
I’m extremely worried because this was never intentional, and I tried my best to follow the rules. Any advice, shared experience, or guidance would truly mean a lot to me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for any help you can off.
PLZ approve the post.

 

[Naturgrl]

What do you need to explain as you already applied for PR? How are you eligible for another work permit? What did you do from May 2025 to August 2025 because you were not allowed to work at that time either? You say you are on a visitor record so when did you get that approved?

If asked to explain then you say that you worked illegally/unauthorized without a permit. Say that you didn't understand the rules. Don't over explain it and you cannot blame an agent as you are responsible for your own file. Since you applied for PR then you wait.

 

[Jabel]

What do you need to explain as you already applied for PR? How are you eligible for another work permit? What did you do from May 2025 to August 2025 because you were not allowed to work at that time either? You say you are on a visitor record so when did you get that approved?

If asked to explain then you say that you worked illegally/unauthorized without a permit. Say that you didn't understand the rules. Don't over explain it and you cannot blame an agent as you are responsible for your own file. Since you applied for PR then you wait.

Thank you so much for your respond. My PR require having a job with the employer non express PR. My understanding was because I applied for the work permit from the co-op permit I am eligible to work full time since my application was t13/lmia exempt. However, it was tied with co-op. after the implied work permit approval later the VR was approve.(two separate application).

 

[Naturgrl]

Thank you so much for your respond. My PR require having a job with the employer non express PR. My understanding was because I applied for the work permit from the co-op permit I am eligible to work full time since my application was t13/lmia exempt. However, it was tied with co-op. after the implied work permit approval later the VR was approve.(two separate application).

A co-op work permit is for completing the course program requirements to graduate, and you were not even studying. You were not allowed to work once your PGWP expired. So you are now a visitor. Work with your employer's lawyers or get a lawyer to sort through this. Check with NS PNP if still eligible for proceeding since you are no longer employed.

 

[Jabel]

A co-op work permit is for completing the course program requirements to graduate, and you were not even studying. You were not allowed to work once your PGWP expired. So you are now a visitor. Work with your employer's lawyers or get a lawyer to sort through this. Check with NS PNP if still eligible for proceeding since you are no longer employed.

I am still eligible to apply as long as the employer support me which they did. Thank you so much .

 

[Naturgrl]

I am still eligible to apply as long as the employer support me which they did. Thank you so much .

So reapply inland if eligible as you may not be able to as a visitor. Good luck. Current inland processing is 210 days so employer should be made aware.