PGWP refusal

[JessicaR]

I completed my studies in September, 2025 and applied for a post-graduate work permit. My post-graduate work permit application was refused on March 22, 2026 as I did not have the reading score required on my CELPIP exam. IRCC sent me a letter stating that I can restore my status within 90 days. I have not worked while I was out of status as I have been on vacation. If I apply to restore my status, can I then re-apply for my post-graduate work permit with the valid CELPIP score? Do I need to stop working for now until my status has been restored? I would appreciate your feedback.

 

[Naturgrl]

You cannot work until PGWP is approved. If you reapply, your application enters the queue. You can restore status and try to reapply with new CELPIP results. Do you have required test results meeting all sections? What is date of program completion.

 

[JessicaR]

I am expecting my test results this week. Hopefully the test results meet the requirements for all sections. September 21, 2025 is the date on the letter of completion from the school.

 

[Naturgrl]

I am expecting my test results this week. Hopefully the test results meet the requirements for all sections. September 21, 2025 is the date on the letter of completion from the school.

So you are no longer eligible for PGWP because you didn't apply within 180 days of program completion. So you need to restore status to visitor and seek guidance from a lawyer. You can no longer work, and may need to make plans to leave Canada.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html

 

[JessicaR]

So even if I applied the first time within 180 days and got rejected, IRCC considers it like I have never applied before? Also, can I get another transcript from school and resubmit it with the proof I passed English to get a PWGP? I am unsure if they could reconsider my application. I will seek a lawyer as you suggested but I would like to have an idea between now and then what my options are as it is stressing me out

 

[Naturgrl]

So even if I applied the first time within 180 days and got rejected, IRCC considers it like I have never applied before? Also, can I get another transcript from school and resubmit it with the proof I passed English to get a PWGP? I am unsure if they could reconsider my application. I will seek a lawyer as you suggested but I would like to have an idea between now and then what my options are as it is stressing me out

Get a lawyer because as of now, you are ineligible to reapply because you completed your program more than 6 months ago. You cannot work and are out of status. Apply to restore status to visitor to maintain status in the short term. Submit webform for reconsideration with new English tests that meet the standards. Not sure transcript has English tests results on it like IELTS or CELPIP.

Did you not know that you didn't meet language requirements? You could have redone the test months ago and updated your file.

 

[JessicaR]

I didn't know about the language requirement. That was an error on my end.

I came with my spouse who also studied and is working here. I am not sure if my refusal will now affect their status too. But I will do all 3 as you suggested: contact lawyer, restore status as a visitor and submit a webform for reconsideration.

 

[Naturgrl]

I didn't know about the language requirement. That was an error on my end.

I came with my spouse who also studied and is working here. I am not sure if my refusal will now affect their status too. But I will do all 3 as you suggested: contact lawyer, restore status as a visitor and submit a webform for reconsideration.

Language requirement has been in place since November 2025. If spouse is a student and on PGWP then doesn't impact their status.

 

[JessicaR]

Okay thanks for your advice, I appreciate it.