Planning to Work in Canada? Students Must Avoid This Common Mistake or Risk Losing Job and Visa

Working in Canada requires a valid work permit, which is also available to international students to help them gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. While foreign workers can obtain permits through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), students finishing their education can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada.

However, student-workers must be cautious of a critical but often overlooked mistake that could force them to leave the country mid-job.

Passport Validity: The Key Factor
The validity of a student-worker’s passport directly affects the duration of their work permit, as issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If the passport expires before the planned stay in Canada, the work permit will be issued only until the passport’s expiry date.

For example, if a student receives a one-year job offer but their passport expires in eight months, the work permit will only be valid for eight months. The same rule applies to PGWP holders: even if a student is eligible for a three-year PGWP, the permit will be valid only until the passport expires.

Regulations to Keep in Mind
According to Section 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, temporary residents—including foreign workers and students—must hold a valid passport for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. Without it, they cannot work or remain in the country legally.

The duration of a work permit depends on:

• The job offer from a Canadian employer
• The work period specified in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable
• The validity of the passport

Many student-workers overlook passport validity, which often leads to early expiration of their work permit. To avoid complications, applicants should ensure their passport remains valid for the entire duration of their stay and work in Canada.