A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
refusal typically occurs when IRCC determines that the applicant does not meet
one or more eligibility requirements at the time of application, or when
mandatory documentation is missing. With recent regulatory updates, refusal
trends have shifted, particularly around language requirements and field of
study criteria.
Below are the most common reasons for PGWP
refusals.
1. Program or Institution Not
PGWP-Eligible
Not all designated learning institutions
and not all programs qualify for a PGWP. An application may be refused if:
● The institution is
not PGWP-eligible
● The specific
program does not qualify
● The program length
is less than the minimum required duration
Graduating from a DLI alone does not
guarantee eligibility.
2. Failure to Maintain Full-Time
Status
Applicants are generally required to
maintain full-time student status during each academic session of their
program. Common refusal triggers include:
● Unauthorized
part-time semesters
● Unapproved leaves
of absence
● Academic gaps
without supporting documentation
While part-time studies are often permitted
in the final semester, earlier deviations can affect eligibility.
3. Application Submitted Outside the
180-Day Window
A PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of
receiving confirmation of program completion. If an applicant applies after
this deadline, or if their study permit status was not valid at the required
time, the application may be refused.
4. Language Requirement Not Met
For applications submitted on or after
November 1, 2024, most graduates must provide proof of language proficiency in
English or French.
Minimum levels must be met in all four
abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking):
● University degree
graduates: CLB 7 or NCLC 7
● College and other
non-university program graduates: CLB 5 or NCLC 5
Failure to meet the required score in even
one skill can result in refusal. Additionally, if language test results are not
uploaded properly at the time of submission, the application may be considered
incomplete.
5. Field of Study Requirement (Where
Applicable)
For certain non-degree programs where the
study permit application was submitted on or after November 1, 2024,
eligibility may depend on whether the program falls within an approved field of
study category. If the program does not meet the designated criteria, or if
documentation does not clearly confirm eligibility, refusal can occur.
6. Incomplete or Inconsistent
Documentation
Missing transcripts, lack of official
completion letters, inconsistencies in study history, or discrepancies between
submitted forms and academic records can raise concerns and lead to refusal.
A PGWP refusal often results from technical
eligibility gaps rather than discretionary assessment. Careful attention to
program eligibility, study status history, language thresholds, and document
completeness is critical in the current regulatory environment.
If your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application has
been refused or you want to avoid common pitfalls related to program
eligibility, full-time status, application timing, language requirements, field
of study, or documentation inconsistencies, professional guidance is essential.
A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation offers
expert support for PGWP applications and refusals. Our team reviews program and
institution eligibility, verifies full-time study compliance, ensures language
requirements are met, checks fields of study, and helps organize complete and
consistent documentation.
If you are facing challenges related to any of the PGWP
refusal reasons discussed above, contact A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation for expert legal guidance tailored to your situation.
