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Post Graduate Work Permit Refused: Reasons Why
Once international students have graduated from an eligible program at a Canadian post-secondary institution (DLI), they may qualify to apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This article will explain why your PGWP was denied and what you should do afterward.
1. What is a PGWP?
A Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit granted to international students who graduate from eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLI). With the open work permit, students can gain Canadian experience in skill type 0, A, or B as defined by IRCC’s National Occupational Classification (NOC). After that candidates can apply for Canada’s Permanent Residency.
CTA: Need help with PGWP application
2. 8 common reasons why a PGWP is refused(H3)
- Students studied at non-eligible PGWP Schools (H4)
To be eligible for a PGWP you must be taking a program of study at a public college or university or at a private school that is able to grant certificates, diplomas or degrees in accordance with provincial legislation. There are many private schools that do not fit this description. Private language schools, vocational schools and private colleges generally are not able to issue provincially recognized educational credentials, and completing their programs will not allow a student to obtain a PGWP.
- Studied part-time at some point
You are allowed to study part-time in your last semester only. So, if you have studied part-time in any period before the final semester of your study time, your application will be rejected.
- Study Gap
Break-in studies (study gapp) due to failing a course, a teacher strike, switching schools or programs, extenuating personal reasons, or financial reasons AND did not present the facts clearly to IRCC disclosing the reason for the gap/break in studies
- Study Permit expired and out of status
Your study permit cannot expire during the application of the post-graduate work permit. If it has expired, you must pay a $200 restoration fee and apply accordingly. Failing to do so will lead to rejection.
Also, not providing sufficient reasoning behind why the authority should still accept your application, will lead to rejection of the post-graduate work permit application.
- Outside of the 90 day restoration period
If you are outside the 90 days restoration period, the IRCC will not accept your application. Moreover, your application will get rejected.
- Absence of Educational Transcript
If you do not include a transcript from your educational institute, your post-graduate work permit will be rejected.
- Unauthorized work: Worked more than 20 hours a week
If you have worked more than 20 hours a week during your study, worked before school started, or worked while not enrolled in school – that is unauthorized by the authority. Your post-graduate work permit application will likely get rejected for that.
- IRCC’s fault
Sometimes IRCC and the visa officers can make mistakes. This is very unlikely but possible. In cases like that, your application may return rejected.
3. What should you do after PGWP was rejected?
If your PGWP was refused, it is recommended to retain professional help to re-apply to ensure a strong case is made to get your PGWP approved. This is especially important if you have issues with your profile such as a gap in your studies, or have fallen out of status.
After the rejection by IRCC, you have 180 days to re-submit your application. This re-application should include all the updated documents and sufficient explanation for past refusal and why not to reject you again.
If you exceed 180 days, your study permit will expire. In that case, you will need to apply for a study permit and post-graduate work permit together with a $200 restoration fee. As per IRCC laws, a valid study permit is a must requirement for post-graduate work permit application.
4. How to know if you are eligible for a PGWP in 2022?
You can apply for a PGWP if:
- Your study permit is still valid.
- You have a valid visitor record.
- You submitted an application to extend your study permit before it expired and no decision has been made on your application.
- You submitted an application to change your status to visitor before your study permit expired and no decision has been made on your application.
Applicants can receive only 1 post-graduation work permit in their lifetime. To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must currently hold valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI).
About Canada Admission Hub
Admission Hub is one of the largest International Student Immigration Firm based in Toronto & Vancouver. Currently, it operates in the following markets: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Europe, Vietnam, and India.
Our parent company CVH Immigration Ltd. Admission Hub is helping and supporting International Students around the world to Study, Work, and Immigrate to Canada. We are proud to partner with over +150 Canadian Institutions.
If you want help with your Study Visa application, the first step is to BOOK A CONSULTATION with Admission Hub’s Consultant, share your background and our consultant will reach out to provide you with as much assistance as possible.