Avoid PGWP Refusals: New IRCC Document Rules Explained

How to Avoid Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Refusals Due to Missing Documents

Applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada is a big step for international graduates looking to stay and work after finishing school. However, recent updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have revealed a common mistake that’s been causing application refusals: missing language test results and proof of field of study.

Don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through what’s changed, how to include the right documents, and what to do if you’ve already submitted your application without them. Let’s make sure your PGWP application doesn’t run into avoidable roadblocks.

Key Highlights

• IRCC now requires language test results and proof of field of study for PGWP applications.
• These documents must be uploaded under the “Client Information” section of your IRCC account.
• Failing to include these documents can result in your PGWP application being refused.
• You can still update your application through IRCC’s web form if you’ve already submitted it.
• Language test scores are required for everyone; field of study proof depends on your level of education.
• Documents must be merged into one file before uploading due to system limitations.

Why This Matters for International Graduates

PGWPs are a vital pathway for international students who want to gain Canadian work experience and potentially transition into permanent residency. But due to what IRCC calls “system limitations,” their online application portal doesn’t clearly show where to upload language test results or proof of an eligible field of study. This has led to a lot of confusion—and unfortunately, refusals.

Missing documents could mean losing your chance to work in Canada after graduation, and could seriously impact your ability to qualify for programs like the Manitoba PNP or Express Entry down the line. That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time.

How to Properly Upload Language Test Results and Proof of Study

Although IRCC’s application checklist doesn’t include a section specifically asking for a language test or proof of eligible studies, that doesn’t mean they’re not required. Instead, you need to upload these documents under the “Client Information” section of your online IRCC account.

Here’s what you need to know:

• This section only accepts one uploaded file at a time.
• If you upload more than one file, only the most recent one will remain.
• Therefore, you must combine all required documents into a single PDF file before uploading it.
• If your file is too large, you may need to compress it to meet IRCC’s upload limits.

For example, if you need to submit a language test report and a school letter confirming your field of study, combine both into one PDF file and upload that under “Client Information.”

What to Do If You Already Submitted Your PGWP Application Without These Documents

If you’ve already submitted your PGWP application and left out these key documents, don’t panic—you still have a chance to fix it. IRCC allows applicants to submit additional documentation through their online web form.

Follow these steps to update your application:

1. Go to the IRCC web form under the “Ask about or update your application” section.
2. Select “Add a document to your application.”
3. When prompted “Who are you?”, choose “I’m the principal applicant.”
4. Fill out the form with your application number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
5. When asked if IRCC requested the documents, select “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”
6. Upload your documents. Unlike the application portal, this form allows you to upload multiple files—as long as they don’t exceed 3.5 MB in total.

This quick update could save your application from being refused, so it’s well worth doing if you missed uploading the documents initially.

Who Needs to Submit Language Tests and Proof of Field of Study?

IRCC introduced new rules in 2024, and now there are two main document requirements based on your level of education:

1. Language Test Requirements

All PGWP applicants must submit language test results from an approved testing organization. The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score depends on the level of study you completed:

2. Field of Study Requirements

If your program is below the level of a college bachelor’s degree, you also need to show that your program was in an eligible field of study. Here’s a quick breakdown:

To meet the field of study requirement, you’ll need to include an official letter from your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This letter must be on school letterhead, signed by the registrar, and include your program name and CIP (Classification of Instructional Program) code.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to miss a step when applying for your PGWP—especially when the system doesn’t clearly prompt you to upload key documents. But with IRCC’s updated instructions and the ability to update your application through the web form, you can make sure your application checks all the boxes.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, required documents, or how to merge files, it might be worth speaking with an immigration professional. Your ability to stay, work, and eventually apply for permanent residence in Canada may depend on it.

Need help with your PGWP application? Contact our team or check out our guide on Manitoba PNP pathways for international graduates.

Let’s make sure your future in Canada gets off to the right start—double-check your documents and submit with confidence!