IRCC fixes PGWP upload gap after rising number of refusals — what graduates must do now
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants following a wave of refusals tied to missing documents. In recent months, some international graduates who submitted PGWP applications were denied because they did not include required language test results or proof that their program met eligible field-of-study rules. IRCC attributes the problem to “system limitations” in its online portal that left no obvious upload slot for those items — a gap the department has now clarified and fixed.
IRCC’s December 10 update explains where and how to submit language test reports and evidence of an eligible program so applicants do not face unnecessary refusals. The changes are critical: a refused PGWP can derail a graduate’s ability to work in Canada, build Canadian experience and pursue popular permanent-residence routes.
What went wrong — and IRCC’s technical fix
Because the online PGWP checklist previously did not display a dedicated field for language test results or program-eligibility documents, some applicants assumed those items were not required and omitted them. IRCC’s revised instructions now explicitly tell applicants to upload both language results and field-of-study proof under the “Client Information” section of their online account.
Important technical notes:
- The Client Information slot accepts only one file. If you have multiple supporting documents (for example, a language test plus a school letter confirming CIP code), you must merge them into a single PDF before uploading.
- Large document sets may need to be compressed to meet IRCC file-size limits. Applicants should ensure the merged PDF remains readable after compression.
If you already applied without these documents — how to add them
If you submitted a PGWP application that did not include language test results or proof of field of study, IRCC instructs applicants to use the department’s web form to add documents to a pending application. Key steps:
- Use the web form’s “Ask about or update your application” option.
- Choose “Add a document to your application.”
- Identify yourself as the principal applicant and include your application number and UCI.
- When prompted, select “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”
- Upload your supporting file(s) — the web form allows multiple files up to a combined size limit (check the form’s current size cap).
Act promptly: adding documents quickly after submission reduces the risk that IRCC will issue a refusal for an incomplete file.
Who must provide language tests and who needs field-of-study proof?
IRCC’s 2024 rule changes clarified that all PGWP applicants must submit language test results, but the required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on the program level used to qualify for the PGWP:
- College bachelor’s degree & university bachelor’s/master’s/doctoral programs: CLB 7 required.
- College or other non-university programs: CLB 5 required.
- All applicants must submit results from an IRCC-designated language test provider.
Field-of-study documentation applies only to applicants whose qualifying program is below a college bachelor’s degree or to certain university programs not automatically recognized. In those cases applicants must include evidence (typically an official graduation letter on institutional letterhead) showing the program name and the program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code to prove it falls within an eligible field.
Practical tips to avoid refusal
- Combine and upload: Merge language test results and any required field-of-study evidence into a single PDF and upload it to the Client Information slot before submitting your PGWP.
- Order documents early: Language test bookings and police certificates can take weeks—schedule them well in advance.
- Use the web form if you’ve already applied: Submit missing files through the “Add a document” option and include your application number and UCI.
- Keep originals and translations: Provide certified English or French translations for any documents not in those languages, with translator affidavits where required.
- Check test validity: Language test results must be valid at the time of application—most tests are valid for two years.
- Obtain an official school letter for field proof: Letters should be on school letterhead, signed by a registrar, and include program name plus CIP code where applicable.
Consequences of omission
A refused PGWP can mean loss of the right to work in Canada, interruption of plans to gain Canadian experience, and reduced eligibility for PR streams that favour graduates. In some cases, a refusal could require rebuilding status or leaving Canada. Because of these high stakes, following IRCC’s updated upload instructions is essential.
Bottom line
IRCC’s clarification resolves a portal shortcoming that led to avoidable PGWP refusals. International graduates must now ensure language test results and any necessary proof of program eligibility are merged into a single document and uploaded under Client Information — or added via the web form if the application has already been submitted. Prompt action and careful document preparation can prevent refusals and preserve graduates’ ability to work and stay in Canada.
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