Yes, if you’ve completed your program and still have a valid study permit, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and start working full-time right after submitting your application.
You don’t need to wait for IRCC to approve the permit or issue a work authorization letter. Even if you don’t receive that letter, or it shows an expiry date, you’re still legally allowed to work while your PGWP is being processed, as long as you applied before your study permit expired and followed all permit conditions.
This is allowed under Section 186(w) of Canada’s immigration regulations. The work you do during this time is valid and counts toward Express Entry and your CRS score.
