10 Common Reasons Your Canada PGWP Application May Be Refused in 2026

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is a crucial pathway for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience, yet recent changes mean that small mistakes or gaps in understanding can lead to refusal. 

Planning ahead for your PGWP application can reduce the risk of refusal, and hence, we will explore the factors that can jeopardize your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application 

10 Factors that Can Jeopardize Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Application

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP Canada) for international students allows its holder to work for most employers in most industries in Canada and can be issued for up to 3 years, depending on the length of the study program. The main risk areas where international students commonly run into issues when applying for the PGWP include:

1. Choosing an Invalid Study Program 

We are already aware that only certain Canadian post-secondary programs qualify for the PGWP. As of 2024, non-degree programs, like those that are not bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral, are required to be on the list of eligible Classifications of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes under Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

• IRCC has recently added 119 new fields of study to the list and removed 178. However, the removed programs will not take effect until early 2026 

Graduates from programs that are not eligible will not qualify for PGWP. If your field of study was on the list when you applied for your study permit, you are safe, irrespective of whether it has been removed later. However, if you change programs, the eligibility is based on the new program status when you apply. To avoid the risk, ensure to check your program CIP code, verify if it is on IRCC's eligible list, and confirm it remains eligible for your intake.

Also Read

• List of Short-Term Courses in Canada
• 6 Best Courses in Canada for PR

2. Not maintaining full-time student status

To ensure your eligibility for a PGWP, international students need to maintain full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of the study program. You would also need to ensure with your institution that your program enrolment and your course load qualify as full-time in each and every term. 

However, you have the flexibility to pursue part-time study only during your final semester, and it would not affect your PGWP eligibility.

3. Working Beyond Permitted Limits

It is highly crucial for international students to adhere to the terms of their study permit and to avoid complications with their PGWP. As part of this, you'd need to make sure that there are no violations with respect to their immigration status. 

For example, international students can work on campus and off campus while studying, only if their study permit states so. Currently, international students in Canada can work for up to a maximum of 24 hours per week off-campus during their semester.

If, in case you do not abide by these rules, you could face serious consequences such as losing student Status in Canada or not being approved for a work permit in the future, and in some cases, having to leave the country.

Also Read

• Students Working Hours in Canada in 2025-26: Rules, Benefits, and Opportunities
• 10 Best Part Time Jobs in Canada for International Students
• Job Requirements in Canada

4. Completing Studies Outside Canada

During the pandemic, the Canadian Federal government introduced a temporary measure that allowed international students to count time spent studying online towards the length of a future PGWP, as long as it constituted less than 50% of the program. 

However, this temporary measure is no longer applicable to students who have begun a study program after September 1, 2024. You will need to be able to complete the program in person if you are seeking a PGWP after graduation.

Also Read: International Students in Canada

5. Skipping The Required Language Test

Starting from November 2024, all international students need to demonstrate English or French language proficiency in order to gain eligibility for PGWP. The language score required is based on your program of study, generally CLB 5 for graduates of a college program (except bachelor's program) and CLB 7 for graduates of bachelor's, master's, doctoral and other university programs.

The language test score results must not be older than 2 years while submitting your application. The approved language test for Canada PR includes CELPIP, IELTS (General Training), PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada, TCF Canada for French

Failing to take these tests or scoring less than the necessary score could have an impact on your PGWP eligibility.

Explore the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Guide

6. Missing The Application Deadline

International students in Canada must submit their PGWP application within 180 days of receiving official confirmation that they completed their program, for example, a letter of completion or final transcript. Submitting your PGWP application could also result in refusal.

Also Read: Canada Stay Back Options After Graduation

7. Providing Incomplete Documents

Students must submit their PGWP application online, unless they have a disability or there is a problem with submitting an online application. Along with the application, you would also need to submit the following documents:

• Proof that you have completed your studies as in an official letter from your school or official transcript, or a copy of your transcripts from your school's website, concerning your degree or diploma completion
• Proof that you were enrolled in full-time studies by submitting an official transcript issued by your Designated Learning Institution (DLI), or a copy of your official transcript from your DLI’s website.
• Proof of language results 
• Proof of an eligible field of study for PGWP 
• Proof of upfront medical exam (if required)

At the end of the application, students would also be asked to pay both the Open Work Permit holder fee and the Work Permit fee. Ensure to double-check your application and all your documents to make sure that everything is accurate and complete before submitting.

Also Read

• Designated Learning Institution DLI Canada List
• Work Permit in Canada

8. Having A Soon-To-Expire Passport

Your PGWP application cannot be issued beyond the validity period of your travel document. Hence, 

• if your passport has expired, you must obtain a new valid passport before applying for your PGWP 
• If your passport will expire before the duration of the PGWP, you are eligible for, you may wish to renew your passport before applying for your PGWP 
• If your PGWP is issued for less than your eligible duration on account of an expiring travel document, you will have to renew your travel document and then apply to renew your PGWP on paper.

In case you leave Canada prior to your PGWP renewal having been processed, you will lose your maintained status and end up without work authorization in Canada. Hence, ensure that your travel document is valid for the minimum duration of your PGWP before applying. It can help you avoid these issues.

9. Not Showing Genuine Temporary Intent

Canada's immigration system is designed to recognise dual intent, which means an intention of the applicant to become a permanent resident of Canada. does not preclude someone from becoming a temporary resident in Canada, as long as they can ensure an immigration officer is satisfied that they will leave the country when their status expires. 

So when applying for a PGWP, you must be able to convince the immigration officer that you will not violate the terms of your PGWP or overstay. This can be done by proving ties to your home country with relevant documents and details. In case you fail to prove that you have genuine temporary resident intent, this could be a valid ground for your PGWP refusal in 2026.

10. Being Found Inadmissible

Foreign nationals who are found inadmissible to Canada may be further barred from entry or removed from the country. Foreign nationals could be inadmissible in Canada for reasons of:

• Financial Support 
• Medical Reasons 
• Misrepresentation
• Criminality 
• National Security
• Having An Inadmissible Family Member

Failure to comply with any provision of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) can also make you inadmissible in Canada, which includes violating the conditions of your study permit as well.

Also Read: How to Show Proof of Funds for Canada Immigration

Who is Eligible for a PGWP in Canada in 2026?

A Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a one-time opportunity for international student graduates. Those who have already received APGWP in the past are not eligible for another. And to be eligible for a PGWP, you must ensure you meet some general criteria, including.

• You have graduated from a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI list Canada.
• Your program was at least 8 months long, or 900 hours for the Quebec program 
• You maintain full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program 
• You applied for a PGWP within 180 days of completing your program of study 
• Your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application

Applying for Canada PGWP? Consider GetGIS Assistance

Applying for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) ia a crucial step in securing Work experience in Canada after graduation. Given the evolving rules and recent policy changes, including the introduction of the field of study requirement, language test applications, and tight scrutiny of eligibility, meticulous planning is more important than ever. 

To safeguard your application process and to avoid any missteps, it is strongly recommended to seek professional guidance from trusted experts like GetGIS. Our team provides personalised end-to-end assistance to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, comply with to correct documentation, crucial to maximise your chances of approval.

Book Your Free Consultation to get started

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