PGWPs are a popular way for international students to obtain Canadian work experience after graduating from a Designated Learning Institution. This work experience might be valuable for many reasons, including how it helps international students build eligibility for numerous permanent residence programs. Well, here’s why IRCC might refuse an application for a PGWP work permit.

Lately, PGWPs have been in the spotlight in Canadian immigration news due to proposed changes to permit eligibility. Specifically, it has recently been revealed that immigration officials at both federal and local levels are considering altering PGWP eligibility to align the issuance of PGWPs to labor market needs across Canada. However, no official languages have been declared. 

International students must be aware that PGWPs are never guaranteed after graduation. This implies that IRCC will not give every international student a PGWP just because they have successfully graduated from an eligible program at a Canadian DLI. In fact, there are numerous reasons that IRCC might refuse an applicant’s PGWP application. 

Note: DLIs are the only post-secondary institutions in Canada that IRCC considers eligible to admit international students. 

Failure To Meet Eligibility Criteria 

IRCC might refuse an application for a PGWP work permit. However, obtaining a PGWP requires applicants to meet a strict set of eligibility criteria. 

Among those criteria are conditions like: 

  • The international graduate must have completed a PGWP-eligible program at a Canadian DLI that is at least eight months long. 
  • The international graduate must have studied full-time outside of their final semester. 
  • The international graduate must have completed a study program that leads to a diploma, certificate, or degree. 
  • The international student must have graduated from an eligible post-secondary institution. 
  • Graduates of a Quebec-based vocational or training program should meet additional IRCC-established PGWP criteria to be eligible.

Failure to adhere to IRCC’s eligibility criteria will result in the refusal of an additional graduate’s PGWP application.  

Missing Necessary Documents 

IRCC doesn’t need international graduates to wait until they have their educational credentials to apply for a PGWP. 

However, IRCC does mandate the submission of one of the following three documents as part of every PGWP application: 

  • An application from the student’s DLI confirming they completed their program of study
  • An official transcript from the student’s DLI
  • A copy of the student’s transcript from their DLI’s website

Therefore, international graduates who do not include any of the above documents with their application might obtain a refusal from IRCC. 

Unexplained Study Gap 

At times, there are reasons that students need to take a break from their studies. For instance, this might happen due to a family emergency or other uncontrollable factor. 

For this reason, IRCC provides students with ways to formally pursue an authorized level of absence or have a different way to formally explain any gaps in their studies that might see their PGWP application refused. 

Late Application Submission

Another reason why IRCC might refuse an application for a PGWP work permit is the late submission of applications. 

IRCC offers international graduates 180 days to apply for a PGWP. Those who do not submit their application during this period will have their permit application refused by IRCC. 

Failure To Maintain Legal Status In Canada

Further to the above, IRCC notes that eligibility for a PGWP requires students to ensure that their study permit is valid at some point during the 180 days IRCC gives them to apply for a permit. 

This implies that students must ensure that their study permit doesn’t expire and they maintain legal status in Canada while they apply for a PGWP. 

Note: Students might also have their PGWP application refused if they violate their student visa conditions or remain in Canada beyond their authorized stay. 

IRCC clarifies that study permits expire on the earlier of the below-mentioned dates. 

  • 90 days after a student completes their studies 
  • The day marked on a student’s permit 

If a student’s study permit expires before they apply for a PGWP, they can either restore their status as students and apply for a PGWP accordingly or leave the nation and apply for a PGWP outside Canada.  

Meanwhile, if a student’s study permit expires after they apply for a PGWP but before a decision is made, IRCC says that they can remain in Canada as temporary residents and continue working if they were also already able to work off-campus during their studies.   

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].