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PGWP Refusal

The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is tailored for international students who successfully complete an approved program of study at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). These DLIs are recognized by Canadian provincial or territorial governments as institutions qualified to welcome international students.

The PGWP functions as an open work permit, permitting you to work for any employer across Canada, with the flexibility to choose either full-time or part-time hours. It even allows for self-employment.

Moreover, the PGWP serves as a pathway to transition from temporary resident status to permanent residency through acquiring valuable Canadian work experience within the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is managed within the Express Entry system.

Necessary Documents for Applying for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

When preparing your application for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, it's essential to gather the following documents:

  • Passport: Copies of the main pages of your passport.
  • Travel Documents: Any relevant travel documents.
  • Photograph: A recent photograph.
  • Current Immigration Document: If you possess a current immigration document, include a copy.
  • Proof of Completion of Studies: This can be in the form of a degree or diploma, an official letter from your school, or an official transcript.
  • Documents for Addressing Study Gaps: If you had any gaps in your studies, provide documents that explain and demonstrate whether these gaps were officially approved.
  • Evidence of Part-Time Study: If you engaged in part-time study (excluding the final term), include documentation indicating whether this was approved.
  • Documentation for Combined Programs: If you combine two programs, if applicable, provide clarification through appropriate documents.
  • Supporting Documentation for Accelerated Learning: If you completed accelerated learning, provide relevant documents.
  • Exceeding Work Hour Explanation: If you exceeded the allowable hours of work, if applicable, provide documentation explaining the circumstances.

It's important to note that intermittent studies are not eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit; continuous study is required for eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria for the Canadian PGWP

Here are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

  • You need to be at least 18 years old.
  • Your application must be submitted within 180 days of completing your studies.
  • You must possess, or have possessed, a valid study permit or the authorization to study without a study permit.
  • If applying from within Canada, your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days. If your study permit has expired, you may seek visitor status before applying for the PGWP.
  • If applying from outside Canada, you must have received approval for a study permit.
  • The educational institution must be an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI). However, it's important to note that not all DLIs offer programs that align with PGWP requirements. A comprehensive list of DLIs offering PGWP-eligible programs is available on the federal government's official website.
  • The program duration should be a minimum of eight months.
  • Your study program must have been pursued on a full-time basis. This excludes the final semester, which can be part-time, as well as approved study leaves.
  • The program you completed must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • The educational credentials must be earned within Canada, with only a limited portion of overseas studies permissible.
  • Transferring between eligible DLIs is acceptable if the combined study duration is a minimum of 8 months.

Reasons for Refusal

Upon facing a refusal, the next steps involve restoring your status and providing a comprehensive explanation to IRCC regarding the concerns outlined in the refusal. It's important to note that the PGWP application should be resubmitted within 180 days of the study permit's expiry.

Some common grounds for Post-Graduation Work Permit refusals include:

  • Pursuing part-time studies at some point (except the final semester).
  • Having an interruption in studies due to reasons like course failure, teachers' strike, school or program change, personal circumstances, or financial issues, with insufficient clarity in presenting these facts and reasons in your application.
  • Enrolling in a distance-learning program that exceeds 50% of the total study program.
  • Applying for the PGWP while out of immigration status due to an expired study permit without including the required $200 restoration fee.
  • Submitting the application outside the 90-day restoration period.
  • Failing to include final transcripts confirming the conferment of the degree.
  • Studying at a school that is not eligible for the PGWP program.
  • Engaging in unauthorized work, such as exceeding 20 hours of work per week during school, working before the start of classes, or working without enrollment.
  • Identifying errors made by IRCC in the decision process. In the event of a rejection or refusal of your post-graduation work permit application, it's imperative to cease working immediately upon receiving the rejection notice.
  • Continuing to work could jeopardize future work or study permit applications, and you may even be required to leave the country.

Contact us by filling out our brief online inquiry form or giving us a call at ********** to discuss how we can best assist you in obtaining your work permit.