Post Graduation Work Permit refused due to Unauthorized work

[Barnana]

I just haven't done it since I didn't want to risk it since I was technically inadmissible so I didn't want to push it.

Yes but even if you had done unauthorized work, how do they expect us to not work for so many months until they get back to us? Even if we’re technically inadmissible, we haven’t heard back yet. I’m pretty much running out of money.

 

[canuck78]

Yes but even if you had done unauthorized work, how do they expect us to not work for so many months until they get back to us? Even if we’re technically inadmissible, we haven’t heard back yet. I’m pretty much running out of money.

Hard for me to comment. Are you out of status? How did that happen?

 

[Barnana]

Hard for me to comment. Are you out of status? How did that happen?

I applied before my permit expired, but I had done some full time work before. Now I know it’s unauthorized. I submitted a LOE and quit work to make a case of contrition. But now they have transferred my file to Etobicoke. It’ll take them 10 months to get back to me.

 

[LlAmour]

H

I'm pretty sure you're classified as an essential worker so you'd definitely be fine! I also had some unauthorised work but mine was before the order came through to let international kids work full time! I called a lawyer and she said that most likely it would not be a problem in any way, and I also submitted a Letter of Explanation just to admit to my mistake and make sure they knew.

I applied on the 18th of June from Ontario too so I'd say you're fine, it's just taking them time to work through the applications.

Hi,
Can u please tell me your situation, like how much of unauthorized work did u do, was is full time, was it during your studies or after? Did u get your pgwp approved? Please your response would be appreciated. I’m in a similar situation. Thanks

 

[NPreti8195]

Hi!

I had like two months I think total of unauthorised work and no, it wasn't full time. I worked part time in a grocery store and occasionally bc of Covid I went over the 20 hour limit and did like 25 hours a week instead. It was during my studies, in my final year and I'm still waiting for a decision on my permit.

 

[LlAmour]

Hi!

I had like two months I think total of unauthorised work and no, it wasn't full time. I worked part time in a grocery store and occasionally bc of Covid I went over the 20 hour limit and did like 25 hours a week instead. It was during my studies, in my final year and I'm still waiting for a decision on my permit.

Thanks for responding. I really hope it goes well. I’m freaking out

 

[NPreti8195]

There's really nothing you can do and I know that sounds sort of futile but it is just not worth worrying about it! Try and keep your head up and focus on other things!

 

[LlAmour]

I finished my study on september 7 2018 and got a noc B job on sep 17 and i started working full time immediately. My visa was expiring on nov 3rd so someone suggested to go for flagpoling for applying pgwp. By the time i went for flagpoling, i already worked for full time for a month in that new job. Cbsa said that i did authorized work and she refused my pgwp and barred me from applying for 6 months.

Hi, did u get to apply for pgwp again after your ban? If so was it approved?

 

[jahsjsjd]

Hi!

I had like two months I think total of unauthorised work and no, it wasn't full time. I worked part time in a grocery store and occasionally bc of Covid I went over the 20 hour limit and did like 25 hours a week instead. It was during my studies, in my final year and I'm still waiting for a decision on my permit.

Did you submit the LOE for working more than 20 hours?

 

[suma6]

Hello, I am an international student. I was enrolled at university but I didn't do one semester due to some personal reasons. While I was unregistered in any course, I worked for a month and then I travelled back to my home country. Now I have changed my institution and enrolled at a new university. So my question is when I will be applying for pgwp will there be any issues since I worked for that month ?
Also that month's pay was paid in cheque to me. Can anyone advise me regarding this..?

 

[Payapa]

I think I messed up my future entirely and there's no hope ... need help!

I’m honestly not doing well right now. After reading about work eligibility rules and timelines for PGWP, I think I may have unknowingly done unauthorized work............ and now I can’t sleep, I feel sick to my stomach, and I’ve even been throwing up from the stress. I can’t focus, can’t work, and I just feel completely frozen and unable to even sleep. I am so incompetent!!

Here’s what happened:

I finished my final exams on April 15, 2025.

I started working full-time (40 hours/week) on May 2, 2025.

My official transcript was issued on May 11, 2025.

My completion letter was issued on May 23, 2025, but the date of issue is June 5, 2025.

I submitted my PGWP application on June 5, 2025.

My study permit is valid until July 10, 2025.


So basically, I worked full-time for 1 month (May 2–June 5) before I technically became eligible — because I didn’t have my official completion letter yet. I genuinely didn’t realize this would be an issue BECAUSE I thought we could work full-time in summers under study permit guidelines. I thought I was in the clear after exams and just wanted to start working right away.

Now I’m terrified that I won't receive my PGWP. Even if I do receive PGWP, I will definitely not get my PR. I have destroyed my life and future and there is no hope. All I wanted was to do my best.

I know what’s done is done, but I just need to know how serious this is. Has anyone else gone through something similar? CAN MY PGWP GET REJECTED FOR THIS???? Is there a chance this won’t be the end of my plans?