Completing post-secondary education in Canada can be a significant milestone in one’s life. After completing their studies, many international students wish to gain Canadian work experience and extend their stay in Canada. A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that allows international students who have completed their studies in Canada to work for up to three years. However, not all PGWP applications are approved. This article will discuss some of the most common reasons why a PGWP application may be refused.
- Studied Part-Time at Some Point
To apply for a PGWP, students must maintain their full-time student status during each academic session of the program they complete and submit as part of their post-graduation work permit application. However, if a student meets all the eligibility requirements, except for full-time status during their final academic session, they are still considered eligible for the PGWP. - Break-in Study
Another reason a PGWP application may be refused is a study break. Suppose a student had a study break due to failing a course, a teacher strike, switching schools/programs, or extenuating personal/financial reasons. In that case, providing clear explanations to IRCC is crucial, disclosing the reason for the gap/break in studies. - Study Permit Expired and Out of Status When Applying
If a student’s study permit expires and they were out of status when applying for the PGWP, the application may be refused. It is crucial to include the restoration fee and sufficient arguments to IRCC why they should approve and restore the student’s status. - Outside of the Restoration Period
It is crucial to apply for a PGWP within the restoration period. If a student is outside the 90-day restoration period or the 180-day after officially finishing the program, their PGWP application may be refused. - Final Transcripts Not Included
Another common reason for a PGWP application refusal is not including the final transcripts confirming that the degree is conferred. - Studied at a Non-Eligible PGWP School
To be eligible for a PGWP, the student must complete their studies at a designated learning institution (DLI) that is eligible for the PGWP program. If students complete their studies at a non-eligible PGWP school, their application may be refused. - Unauthorized Work
Working without proper authorization is a severe offence. If students worked more than 20 hours a week during school, worked before school started, or worked while not enrolled in school, their eligibility for a PGWP may be affected. - Procedural Errors
Lastly, sometimes the refusal may not solely be the student’s fault. Procedural errors can occur during the process. In such cases, it is essential to re-examine the documents submitted and the refusal reasons before considering the next steps.
In conclusion, a PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. However, there are many reasons why an application may be refused. Students must take extra care to ensure that they meet all the requirements and submit a complete and accurate application. If students have any doubts or questions about their PGWP application, it is highly recommended that they seek professional help or advice. We sincerely hope that by understanding the common reasons why PGWP applications are refused, students can avoid these pitfalls and increase their chances of approval.
