How to Avoid Rejection in Your PGWP Application: A Guide for International Students

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a critical opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies, paving the way for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). However, with new eligibility requirements introduced in November 2024, the application process is more complex than ever. A rejected PGWP application can derail your plans to stay and work in Canada, so it’s essential to submit a complete and compliant application. This blog post provides key strategies to avoid rejection in your PGWP application, tailored for international students.

What is a PGWP?

The PGWP is an open work permit allowing graduates from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to work for any employer in Canada. It’s valid for 8 months to 3 years, depending on your program’s length, and is a vital step toward building a career in Canada. To maximize your chances of approval, follow these steps to meet all eligibility criteria and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Verify Your Program and School Are PGWP-Eligible

Why it matters: Only specific programs and institutions qualify for a PGWP. Applying with an ineligible program or school guarantees rejection.

How to avoid rejection:

• Confirm your Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Check the official list of PGWP-eligible DLIs. Private schools in Quebec or non-degree-granting institutions may not qualify unless they offer programs of 900 hours or more leading to a diplôme d’ét dossier d’études professionnelles (DEP) or attestation de spécialisation professionnelle (ASP).

• Ensure program eligibility: Your program must be at least 8 months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) and delivered by a PGWP-eligible DLI. For study permits applied for on or after November 1, 2024, college or vocational programs must align with fields of study linked to occupations in long-term shortage.

• Field of study requirements: If you applied for a study permit on or after November 1, 2024, and are graduating from a college or vocational program, your field of study must match an eligible Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code (e.g., agriculture, healthcare, education). Verify your program’s CIP code using the official 2021 CIP list. Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree graduates are exempt from this requirement.

• Contact your school: If unsure, ask your DLI for confirmation of your program’s CIP code and PGWP eligibility.

Pro Tip: Flight school graduates and those who applied for a study permit before November 1, 2024, are exempt from field of study requirements but must meet other criteria.

2. Maintain Full-Time Student Status

Why it matters: The Federal Court decision in Saqeb v. Canada, 2025 FC 845, clarified that full-time student status is mandatory for each semester (except the final one), with no exceptions, even for medical or compassionate reasons. Non-compliance leads to automatic rejection.

How to avoid rejection:

• Stay full-time: Maintain full-time enrollment during every semester, except the final semester, where part-time study is permitted.

• Document approved leaves: If you took a leave, ensure it was approved by your DLI and documented. Unapproved breaks or part-time study (outside the final semester) can result in rejection.

• Submit enrollment proof: Include official enrollment letters or transcripts showing continuous full-time status with your PGWP application.

Pro Tip: Online study from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, due to COVID-19, may count toward your PGWP if you applied for a study permit before starting your program. Online study after August 31, 2024, does not count.

3. Meet Language Proficiency Requirements

Why it matters: Since November 1, 2024, most PGWP applicants must prove English or French proficiency to demonstrate readiness for the Canadian job market.

How to avoid rejection:

• Know your required level:

  • University graduates (bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral): Minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French for all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).

  • College/vocational graduates: Minimum CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French for all four skills.

• Submit valid test results: Use approved tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada) with results less than 2 years old. Upload results in the “Client information” section of your online application, as the document checklist may not explicitly prompt for them.

• Exemptions: Flight school graduates and those who applied for a PGWP before November 1, 2024, are exempt from language requirements.

Pro Tip: Schedule your language test early to avoid delays, and verify that your scores meet the minimum for all four skills.

4. Gather and Submit the Right Documents

Why it matters: Incomplete or incorrect documentation is a leading cause of PGWP rejections. Specific proof of your studies and eligibility is required.

How to avoid rejection:

• Required documents:

  • Proof of program completion: Submit one of the following from a PGWP-eligible DLI:

    • Degree, diploma, or certificate.

    • Official transcript.

    • Official letter confirming program length, code, and completion date.

  • Proof of full-time enrollment: Include enrollment letters or transcripts showing full-time status for each semester.

  • Field of study proof (if applicable): For college/vocational programs requiring specific fields, provide evidence of an eligible CIP code (e.g., a DLI letter).

  • Language test results: Include valid test scores if required, uploaded to the “Client information” section.

  • Medical exam results (if applicable): A medical exam is required if you plan to work in jobs protecting public health, such as:

    • Healthcare: Physicians, nurses, hospital workers, clinical laboratory workers, medical students in clinical settings, physiotherapists, or medical radiation technologists.

    • Childcare: Teachers, teacher’s aides, day care workers, or primary/secondary school educators.

    • Other roles: Agricultural workers or attendants in nursing/geriatric homes, if you’ve lived in high-risk countries.

    • Complete an upfront medical exam with an approved panel physician. Results are valid for 12 months and submitted via eMedical. If you had an immigration medical exam (IME) within the last 5 years showing low/no public health risk, you may be exempt until October 5, 2029, if applying from Canada—include the IME number.

  • Valid study permit: Your study permit must have been valid within the 180 days before applying. If expired, restore your student status and pay the restoration fee online.

  • Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the full PGWP duration. If it expires earlier, your PGWP will be limited to the passport’s expiry date, but you can extend it later.

• Upload correctly: Place all documents in the correct online application sections, especially language results and field of study proof, which may go in “Client information.”

• Translate documents: If documents are not in English or French, include a certified translation with an affidavit from a translator, sworn before a commissioner of oaths.

Pro Tip: Create a checklist to track all documents, and keep digital copies for your records. If you’ve lived in a high-risk country for 6+ months in the past year, confirm if a medical exam is needed, even for non-healthcare/childcare roles.

5. Apply Within the 180-Day Window

Why it matters: You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion (e.g., final marks, degree, or completion letter). Missing this deadline renders you ineligible.

How to avoid rejection:

• Track your completion date: The 180-day window starts when your school issues final marks or a completion document, not when you receive your diploma. Confirm the exact date with your school.

• Apply early: Submit your application as soon as you have all documents to avoid issues with study permit validity or delays.

• From within or outside Canada: You can apply from Canada or abroad. If applying from outside, ensure you have a valid visitor visa or eTA to re-enter Canada. You cannot work until your PGWP is approved if applying from outside.

Pro Tip: If your study permit expires within the 180-day window, apply before it expires to maintain work eligibility while your application is processed.

6. Understand and Comply with Study Location Rules

Why it matters: The time spent studying outside Canada or online impacts PGWP eligibility and duration, especially with changes post-September 1, 2022.

How to avoid rejection:

• In-person study requirement: For study permits applied for on or after November 1, 2024, at least 50% of your program must be completed in-person in Canada. Online study from outside Canada after August 31, 2024, does not count toward PGWP length.

• COVID-19 temporary policy: Online study from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, may count toward your PGWP if you applied for a study permit before starting your program.

• Overseas components: Only time spent studying in Canada counts toward the PGWP’s length if your program included an overseas component.

Pro Tip: If you studied online or abroad, consult an immigration specialist to assess your PGWP eligibility.

7. Avoid Common Pitfalls

Why it matters: Small errors can lead to rejection, even if you meet major eligibility criteria.

How to avoid rejection:

• One-time PGWP: You can only receive a PGWP once, even if you complete another eligible program.

• Pay all fees: Include the open work permit holder fee and work permit fee with your application.

• Avoid distance learning: If more than 50% of your program was distance learning (online, e-learning, correspondence), you’re ineligible, except for COVID-19-related exceptions.

• Check inadmissibility: Ensure you’re not inadmissible due to criminal, security, or health issues, as this will lead to rejection.

• Seek professional help: For complex cases (e.g., program ineligibility, study permit issues), consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Pro Tip: Attend PGWP workshops or webinars offered by your school or immigration specialists to clarify requirements.

8. Prepare for After You Apply

Why it matters: Understanding your rights and responsibilities after submitting your PGWP application ensures compliance and minimizes disruptions to your work or travel plans.

How to avoid complications:

• Work while waiting: If you apply for your PGWP from within Canada before your study permit expires, you may be eligible to work full-time while your application is processed, under maintained status. To qualify, you must meet these conditions:

  • You held a valid study permit when you applied for the PGWP.

  • You applied within 180 days of your program completion.

  • You were eligible to work off-campus without a work permit during your studies (as per your study permit conditions) and did not exceed the allowable work hours (typically 20 hours per week during academic sessions).

  • Your study permit has not expired more than 90 days before applying, or you’ve restored your student status if it expired.

  • Once approved, you can work for any employer in any eligible occupation until your PGWP expires or is refused. If your study permit expires or you don’t meet these conditions, you must stop working until your PGWP is approved.

• Travel after submission: You can travel outside Canada while your PGWP application is pending, but there are important considerations to re-enter and work:

  • Re-entering Canada: To travel back to Canada, you need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your country of citizenship, regardless of whether your study permit is valid.

  • Work eligibility: If you were eligible to work under maintained status before leaving Canada, you can resume working upon re-entry, provided your PGWP application is still pending and you meet the work conditions above. However, if you applied from outside Canada, you cannot work until your PGWP is approved.

  • Border considerations: Carry proof of your PGWP application (e.g., fee receipt, confirmation of submission) and proof of program completion, as border officers may request these to verify your status.

• Monitor your application: Regularly check your online account for requests for additional documents and respond promptly to avoid delays or refusal. You can update your application or ask about its status using the official web form.

• Extend your PGWP if needed: If your passport expiry limited your PGWP’s validity, apply to extend it after renewing your passport. Submit this extension on paper, not online.

Pro Tip: Keep digital or physical copies of your PGWP application confirmation, study permit, and TRV/eTA when traveling or starting work, as employers or border officers may request them.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a PGWP in 2025 demands meticulous preparation, especially with new requirements like language proficiency and field of study restrictions introduced in November 2024. By confirming your program’s eligibility, maintaining full-time status, submitting complete documentation, meeting language and medical requirements, and applying within 180 days, you can minimize the risk of rejection. After submission, understanding your work and travel rights under the maintained status is crucial to avoid complications. Stay proactive, double-check your application, and seek professional advice for complex cases to ensure a smooth transition to working in Canada.

For personalized guidance, consider booking a consultation with Immigrative’s Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). Their expertise can help you navigate the PGWP process with confidence, ensuring your application is error-free and tailored to your unique situation. Good luck with your PGWP application and your future in Canada!