Planning carefully for your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is very important. Even small mistakes can lead to refusal. Over the past year, the Canadian government has made several changes to PGWP eligibility, so it’s more important than ever to understand the rules.
The PGWP is an open work permit for international students who graduate from a Canadian post-secondary school. It allows them to work for almost any employer in most industries across Canada. The permit can last up to three years, depending on how long your study program was.
If you’re preparing to apply, here are ten common mistakes that can affect your PGWP application.
Let us discuss them in detail!
Factors That May Risk Your PGWP Approval
| Factor | What it means | Why it matters |
| Choosing an invalid study program | Only certain programs qualify for a PGWP. As of 2024, non-degree programs must be on IRCC’s approved list of CIP codes. | Graduates of ineligible programs will not qualify for a PGWP. |
| Failing to maintain full-time student status | Students must remain full-time in every semester (except the final one) to qualify. | Part-time study outside the final term can disqualify you. |
| Working without authorization | Students may work only under the conditions listed on their study permit | Unauthorized work can lead to loss of status and PGWP refusal. |
| Completing your program outside Canada | Temporary online study flexibility ended for students starting programs after Sept. 1, 2024. | Completing a program abroad may make you ineligible. |
| Not taking a language test | From Nov. 1, 2024, international students need to take a language test to provide proficiency in English or French. | Missing or insufficient test results will lead to refusal. |
| Applying late | PGWP applications must be submitted within 180 days of program completion. | Late applications are usually refused. |
| Submitting an incomplete application | Required documents include proof of program completion, full-time status, language results, eligible field of study, and medical exam (if needed). | Missing documents can cause delays or refusals. |
| Expired or expiring passport | A PGWP cannot extend beyond your passport validity. | You may receive a shorter permit or need to reapply if your passport expires too soon. |
| Not proving genuine temporary intent | Applicants must show they intend to respect the terms of their PGWP. | Failure to demonstrate intent can lead to refusal. |
| Being inadmissible | Reasons include security, criminality, medical, financial, misrepresentation, or inadmissible family members. | Inadmissibility can bar entry or lead to removal from Canada. |
Picking A Program That Doesn’t Qualify
Not all study programs in Canada make you eligible for a PGWP.
In 2024, IRCC added a new rule requiring certain programs to be on an approved list of Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes. This rule applies to all programs except bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs.
If your program’s field of study is not on this list, you won’t qualify for a PGWP.
IRCC added 119 new programs to the list but removed 178 others, though the removals will not apply until early 2026.
If your program was eligible when you applied for your study permit, you will still qualify even if it is removed later. But if you switch to a new program, your eligibility will be based on the date of the new study permit.
You can check your program’s CIP code on the Statistics Canada website. Each program has a six-digit code and description. Make sure your program matches the description exactly.
You can view the full list of approved programs on IRCC’s official site.
Not Staying A Full-Time Student
To qualify for a PGWP, you must study full-time in every semester except the last one.
Ask your college or university what counts as a full-time course load. Taking a part-time course during any semester other than your final one can make you ineligible for a PGWP.
If you studied part-time in your last term only, you will still qualify.
Working Without Permission
International students must always follow the rules on their study permit.
If your permit says you can work on or off campus, then you may do so, but only within the limits allowed. At present, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during classes.
Working more hours or working without authorization can cause serious problems, i.e., you could lose your student status, have your PGWP refused, or even be asked to leave Canada.
Finishing Your Program Outside Canada
One of the common mistakes that can affect your PGWP application is finishing your program outside Canada.
During the pandemic, students could study online from abroad and still qualify for a PGWP if less than half the program was online.
That rule ended for anyone starting a new program on or after September 1, 2024.
Now, students must complete their studies in Canada to be eligible for a PGWP. Completing your course abroad will make you ineligible.
Missing The Language Test
From November 1, 2024, all international students must take a language test to prove they know English or French.
The score you need depends on your study program:
- CLB 5 for college programs (except bachelor’s programs)
- CLB 7 for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs
Your test results must be less than two years old when you apply.
Accepted English tests:
- CELPIP
- IELTS (General Training)
- PTE Core
Accepted French tests:
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
If you skip the test or score too low, IRCC may refuse your application.
Applying After The Deadline
You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days after finishing your studies. The clock starts from the date your school gives you an official letter or final transcript.
Submitting after 180 days usually leads to an automatic refusal. To avoid this, prepare your documents in advance so you can apply on time.
Submitting An Incomplete Application
A complete application helps IRCC process your PGWP faster. If something is missing, your file could be delayed or refused.
You must apply online, unless you have a disability or technical issue.
Documents you need:
- Proof of program completion (degree, diploma, or official transcript)
- Proof of full-time status from your school
- Proof of language results
- Proof that your field of study is eligible
- Proof of medical exam (if needed)
At the end of your application, pay both the open work permit fee and the work permit processing fee.
Before submitting, double-check every document for accuracy and completeness.
Having An Expired Or Expiring Passport
Your PGWP will only be valid until your passport expires.
If your passport expires soon, IRCC will issue a shorter PGWP. To get the full duration, renew your passport before applying.
If you already applied and received a shorter PGWP because your passport was expiring, you can later renew your passport and reapply to extend the permit.
If you leave Canada while waiting for this renewal, you could lose your right to work. So it’s best to ensure your passport is valid for the entire length of your PGWP before applying.
Not Showing Genuine Temporary Intent
When applying for a PGWP, you must prove to the officer that you will follow the rules of your work permit and leave Canada when it expires.
Canada’s system allows dual intent, which means you can plan to apply for permanent residence later, but you must still show that you’ll obey the terms of your PGWP in the meantime.
You can prove this by:
- Showing ties to your home country (like property, family, or a job offer)
- Writing a clear explanation letter
- Submitting honest and complete documents
If the officer doubts your intent, your application may be refused.
Being Inadmissible To Canada
Even if you meet all other PGWP requirements, you can still be refused if you are inadmissible to Canada.
Common reasons for inadmissibility:
- Security or criminal issues
- Medical conditions that pose a risk
- Lack of financial support
- Misrepresentation (giving false or incomplete information)
- Having an inadmissible family member
Breaking immigration rules such as working illegally or not following your study permit conditions can also make you inadmissible.
Who Can Apply For A PGWP?
Now that we have discussed some of the common mistakes that can affect your PGWP application, let us understand who can apply for a PGWP.
Well, a PGWP is a one-time opportunity. If you’ve already received one before, you cannot get another.
To be eligible, you must meet these general conditions:
- You graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that is PGWP-eligible.
- Your study program lasted at least 8 months (or 900 hours in Quebec).
- You were a full-time student during each semester.
- You applied within 180 days of finishing your program.
- Your study permit was valid at some point after graduation and before applying.
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