What are the common reasons for PGWP rejection?

Common reasons for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rejection include studying part-time, failing to maintain full-time status, applying late (after the 90-day window post-graduation), submitting incomplete applications, having an ineligible program or institution, unauthorized work (more than 20 hours/week), expired study permits, and missing crucial documents like final transcripts or language test results, all leading to ineligibility.

What are the reasons for PGWP rejection?

Common Reasons for PGWP Refusals

• Eligibility Issues: Ensure you've completed a designated learning program and maintained full-time status throughout your studies.
• Application Errors: Even minor mistakes in form completion or documentation can lead to refusal.

What are the options after PGWP refusal?

✅ Option 1: Judicial Review Apply only if the refusal is NOT your fault and your file was correct. ✅ Option 2: Reapply for PGWP (Within 180 Days) If you're still within 180 days of receiving your Completion Letter, 👉 You can reapply for PGWP even after refusal.

How to appeal a PGWP refusal?

The first step is to request a reconsideration of your application by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This request must be made within 90 days of the date of the refusal. If the reconsideration request is unsuccessful, the next step is to file an appeal with the Federal Court of Canada.

What are the reasons for refusal of a work permit?

Incomplete Documentation: One of the primary reasons for work permit refusals is incomplete documentation. Failure to provide all required documents, such as a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, or a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in certain cases, can lead to refusal.

🎓 PGWP Refusals Are Rising - Here’s the Real Reason!

What is the reason for rejection of a work permit in Singapore?

When applying for an Employment Pass (EP) in Singapore, is crucial to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications and relevant work experience. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has specific criteria that applicants must meet. Insufficient qualifications or a lack of relevant experience can be grounds for rejection.

What are common reasons for IRCC refusal?

One of the most common reasons for refusal is an inability to demonstrate credible intent, for example, applying for a study permit but choosing a course that does not align with previous education, or a visitor application in which ties to the home country are weak.

Can a lawyer help with IRCC reconsideration?

Reconsideration Request may be your best way forward (however, not always!). You should reach out to an immigration lawyer to discuss your specific situation and review the reasons for the refusal before you decide what would be the right strategy in your case.

How long does IRCC reconsideration take?

Reconsideration Request IRCC Timeline

Processing time for reconsideration requests: It can take a few weeks (4 to 6 weeks) or even 4 to 5 months, as immigration officers have discretion in reconsideration request IRCC processing time.

What is the next step after a Canada work permit refusal?

Your next step may be to reapply, request reconsideration or pursue judicial review. An immigration lawyer can help you choose the best path forward.

What is the rejection rate for a Canada work permit?

According to data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in mid-2025, more than 2.36 million temporary resident applications—covering visitor, study, and work permits—were refused in 2024, representing an overall refusal rate of about 50 percent.

Will TR to PR open again in 2026?

The Significance of TR to PR Relaunch in 2026

This program allowed all the essential workers, who included healthcare professionals, international graduates, and temporary residents with proficiency in French living in Canada, to apply for permanent residency.

Can I still work while waiting for my PGWP?

You can start working full-time while waiting for a decision on your PGWP application if you met all of the following conditions at the time you submitted your PGWP application: You had a valid study permit. You had completed your program of study.

Can I work after a PGWP refusal?

If you received the WP-EXT for PGWP (IMM 0127 E) letter

If these conditions don't apply to you, you must wait until your work permit arrives to begin your new job. It's illegal to work in Canada without authorization. If we refuse your work permit, you must stop working the day we notify you.

What disqualifies you from entering Canada?

You can be inadmissible to Canada for security risks, human rights violations, criminal activity (especially DUI/DWI, theft, assault), organized crime, financial reasons, health grounds (endangering public health/safety or causing excessive demand), misrepresentation (lying on applications), or non-compliance with immigration law. A single offense like a DUI, even a misdemeanor, can make you inadmissible unless you've been rehabilitated or granted a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP).
 

What do Canada visa officers check?

What Canadian Visa Officers Look for in Your SOP

• Clear Academic and Career Goals.
• Strong Justification for Choosing Canada.
• Strong Ties to Home Country.
• Financial Stability and Capability.
• Clarity, Honesty, and Language.
• Frequently Asked Questions.

What evidence helps with reconsideration requests?

One of the most decisive factors in how to handle a request for reconsideration successfully is providing strong, up-to-date medical evidence. Collect medical records, test results, doctor's notes, and treatment histories that clearly document your disability and its severity.

Is there a fee for IRCC reconsideration?

You can request reconsideration by submitting a letter through the IRCC Webform. You must show evidence of a visa officer's error. There is no fee for this request.

How does IRCC assess reconsideration requests?

IRCC Reconsideration Expertise — We identify errors and legal grounds to justify a second review. Persuasive Legal Submissions — Each request is built on strong evidence and policy references.

What to do if my PGWP is rejected?

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.

What not to say in an immigration interview?

Even so, it is best to avoid having to say any of the following: “I'm not familiar with U.S. immigration laws.” “Actually, I have applied for asylum in another country.” “I don't have travel insurance.”

How much does a Canadian immigration lawyer cost?

Canadian immigration lawyer costs vary widely by case complexity, lawyer experience, and location, typically ranging from $1,000 for simpler tasks like study permits to over $8,000 for complex matters like Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications or federal court appeals, with many common permanent residency (PR) and sponsorship cases falling in the $3,000 to $7,000+ range, plus separate government fees. Initial consultations often cost $100-$400, and lawyers usually charge flat fees for specific services, not hourly rates. 

Can we challenge an IRCC decision?

If Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not accept your immigration application, you may have a right to challenge the decision. This right will depend on the immigration category you applied under.

Does credit card debt affect citizenship?

U.S. immigration law itself (the statute passed by Congress) says more about what is isn't than what it is. The law sets out some automatic bars to a finding of good moral character, such as commission of certain crimes. Fortunately, neither debt, unemployment, nor bankruptcy is on that list.

What are common visa rejection reasons?

The most common errors include providing an incorrect visa classification, incorrect or incomplete name, incomplete education history, or incomplete travel history. Weak answers on a visa application can also lead to denial when the answer seems passive or should contain more detail.