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

Working in Canada requires a valid work permit, which is also available for international students to help them gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. While foreign workers are granted 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, students and student-workers must be cautious of a critical but often overlooked mistake that can force them to leave the country mid-job.

The Common Mistake
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 intended 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. This rule also applies to PGWP holders. Even if a student is eligible for a three-year PGWP, they will receive a permit only until their passport expires.

Work Permit Rules
According to Section 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, temporary residents—whether foreign workers or students—must hold a valid passport throughout their stay in Canada. Without it, they cannot legally work or remain in the country.

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

Most students and workers overlook passport validity, which often leads to their work permit ending earlier than expected. To avoid complications, applicants should ensure their passport remains valid for the entire duration of their planned stay and work in Canada.