🚨 Avoid PGWP Refusals: IRCC Clarifies a Critical Application Mistake

In recent months, many international graduates have faced Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) refusals—not because they were ineligible, but because key documents were missing from their applications.

The most common issue?

❌ Language test results

❌ Proof of eligible field of study

What makes this especially frustrating is that IRCC’s online system did not clearly ask for these documents, leading many applicants to believe they were not required.

To address this confusion, IRCC released new instructions on December 10, explaining exactly how and where to submit these documents and what to do if you’ve already applied without them.

Let’s break it down 👇

📌 Why PGWP Applications Were Being Refused

Due to what IRCC calls “system limitations,” the PGWP application portal does not include dedicated upload slots for:

• Language test results

• Proof of eligible field of study

As a result, many applicants unknowingly submitted incomplete applications—leading to refusals that could cost them:

• The right to work in Canada

• Future eligibility for permanent residence (PR) pathways

📝 How to Upload Language Test Results & Field of Study Documents

IRCC has now clarified that both documents must be uploaded under the “Client Information” section of your online account.

⚠️ Important upload rules:

• You can upload only ONE file in the “Client Information” section

• If you upload another file later, it will replace the previous one

• If you have multiple documents, you must:

  • 📄 Merge them into a single PDF

  • 📦 Compress the file if needed to meet IRCC size limits

👉 Example:

One combined PDF including:

• Language test report

• Graduation letter or school confirmation of eligible field of study

🔄 Already Applied Without These Documents? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve already submitted your PGWP application without the required documents, don’t panic—you can still update IRCC.

✅ Use the IRCC Web Form:

1. Go to “Ask about or update your application”

2. Select “Add a document to your application”

3. Choose “I’m the principal applicant”

4. Enter your details carefully:

   • Application number

   • UCI

   • Type of application submitted

5. When asked if IRCC requested the documents:

   • Select “No, I want to add documents to support or complete my application”

6. Upload your files

   • 📎 Multiple files allowed

   • 📦 Total size must be under 3.5 MB

🗣️ Who Needs to Submit Language Tests?

📢 All PGWP applicants must submit a language test, regardless of their level of study.

The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) depends on your program:

Level of Study	Language Requirement
University Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD	CLB 7
College Bachelor’s Degree	CLB 7
Other University Programs	CLB 7
College / Non-University Programs	CLB 5

➡️ Language tests must come from an IRCC-designated testing organization.

🎓 Who Needs to Meet Field of Study Requirements?

Field of study requirements do NOT apply to:

• University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral programs

• College bachelor’s degree programs

They DO apply to:

• Non-bachelor university programs

• College diplomas and other non-university programs

📄 Proof usually includes:

• An official graduation letter from your DLI

• On official letterhead

• Signed by the registrar or authorized school representative

• Showing:

  • Program name

  • Official CIP code

✅ Final Reminder

If language tests or field of study proof apply to you, they must be included at the time of initial submission—even though the portal doesn’t clearly prompt you.

Uploading them correctly can make the difference between:

✔️ Approval

❌ Refusal

If you’re unsure whether your documents meet IRCC’s requirements, it’s always safer to submit more clarity, not less.

🚨 Avoid PGWP Refusals: IRCC Clarifies a Critical Application Mistake