PGWP Application Portal to Get New Field for Language Test Results, But Not Just Yet

For now, Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants must continue to upload their language test results in the generic “Client Information” slot, even though the language test has been a requirement for most applicants since November 2024.

This planned change to the PGWP application is a useful reminder of something every applicant should know: the online application form is not substitute for a complete document checklist.

Why IRCC Plans to Update the PGWP Application Form

The language test requirement for PGWP applicants came into effect on November 1, 2024. Before that, language proficiency was not part of the PGWP eligibility criteria. Since the change, PGWP applicants have had to submit results from a designated test in either English or French. The minimum score requirement is based on the level of study you completed in Canada.

The problem is that IRCC’s online application portal was never updated with a field to upload test results. The document checklist generated inside an applicant’s account does not include a prompt for language results either. Without a clear upload field, some applicants assumed the test results were not required or could not figure out where to attach it.

An IRCC spokesperson told Global News that between November 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, IRCC received over 302,000 PGWP applications. Of those, 945 were rejected for language-related reasons.

In response, IRCC published “special instructions” in December 2025 clarifying that applicants should upload their language test results, and proof of an eligible field of study where applicable, in the “Client Information” section of their account. The instructions also mentioned that only one document can be uploaded to the “Client information” tab. Applicants who want to upload multiple documents should combine them into one file.

However, despite the clarification, some PGWP applicants remained confused about whether or where language test results were to be uploaded.

PGWP refusal due to missing language test
byu/user_565678 inpgwp

A spokesperson from Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office has now confirmed that a dedicated field for language test results is being developed. The planned field will give PGWP applicants a clear place to upload their language test. The Minister’s office described the work as part of “broader IT changes” at IRCC, without committing to a date.

Until the new field is live, you still need to upload your language test under the “Client Information” slot. This is where any additional documents you want to submit go.

PGWP Language Proficiency Requirements

Whether you need to provide a language test, and what score threshold applies, depends on the study program you completed.

• Bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree graduates: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
• Graduates from any other university program: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French
• Graduates from a college, polytechnic or non-university program: CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French
• Graduates from a PGWP-eligible flight school: no language or field of study requirements apply

The Application Form Is Not a Comprehensive Document Checklist

One common mistake applicants make is assuming that what the online portal asks for is everything that’s required. It is not.

For most online applications on IRCC portals, when you provide your initial information, the system will create a document checklist for you. This may or may not be comprehensive. For instance, the PGWP application guide clearly says that, because of system limitations, the document checklist will not prompt you to provide your language test results or proof that you graduated from an eligible field of study. Both documents must be uploaded under the “Client Information” section of your account.

This principle applies across other application types too. Most IRCC application forms include a catch-all “Client Information” or “Other documents” field. That field exists precisely because the portal and standard checklist cannot capture every document that might apply to your specific situation.

As the applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete and includes all required supporting documentation. While the document checklist (IMM 5488 for work permit applicants outside Canada and IMM 5556 for inside Canada applicants) is a good place to start, you should also look at the application guide.

For applications made from outside Canada, be sure to review country-specific document requirements as well.

What Happens If your Application Doesn’t Include a Required Document

Typically, when IRCC receives an application, they do a “completeness check”. If the officer finds that a required form or document is missing, your application will be rejected. A rejection happens without a comprehensive assessment of the application. It is not the same as a refusal, which is based on the merits of your application.

When your application is rejected as incomplete, any processing fee you paid will be refunded. If you’re still eligible, you may be able to resubmit a new application.

However, with the language test requirement for PGWPs, things aren’t that clear cut.

First, many applicants have reported that their application was processed without the results and then refused. This is likely because the language test result isn’t specifically mentioned on the document checklist and so wasn’t flagged missing as part of the completeness check.

PGWP refused after 9 months ( forgot to upload language test what are my chances with reconsideration?)
byu/Ok_Chemistry6536 inpgwp

Second, the window to apply for a PGWP is short. Once you receive your final marks or certificate of completion from school, you have 180 days to apply for a PGWP. If you are unable to submit your PGWP within this timeframe, you’ve lost your chance.

This means, a refusal could waste months and put the applicant at risk of losing their status in Canada.

Third, when you apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires (usually valid for 90 days after your study program ends), you are allowed to continue working (or transition to working full-time) until a decision is made on your PGWP application.

However, if your PGWP application is later refused, your status in Canada ends that day.

But what happens if your application is rejected? Depends on when it is rejected. If you submit a new work permit application while your study permit is still valid, you retain legal status in Canada and can continue working. But if your study permit has already expired, your status comes to an end. You can, however, apply for restoration of status as a student and still submit your PGWP application (provided you’re within the 180-day window).

Regardless of whether your application is rejected or refused, you cannot legally work in Canada without status. So, if your study permit is no longer valid when you reapply (or apply) for a PGWP, you must stop working immediately. You can only resume working once your work permit application is approved.

How to Reduce Your Risk of PGWP Rejection

While we use PGWP applications as an example here, this section applies to every IRCC application.

1. Read the application guide for your specific permit or stream before you apply. Guides are updated regularly. A guide you read 12 months ago may no longer reflect current requirements.
2. Cross-check the system-generated document checklist with IRCC’s program eligibility page. The eligibility page sometimes lists documents the checklist does not, especially if the requirements changed recently.
3. If you are applying from outside Canada, find the country-specific document checklist for the visa office processing your application. Treat this as a secondary checklist.
4. If an upload slot for a required document doesn’t exist, use the “Client Information” field. If you have more than one document to upload, combine them into a single PDF. Only the most recent file uploaded to that slot is saved, so if you try to upload documents separately, IRCC will not receive all of them.
5. When in doubt, attach the document. There is no penalty for including a supporting document that an officer doesn’t strictly need.
6. If you have already submitted an application and realise something is missing, use the IRCC web form to add documents under “Ask about or update your application.” You will receive an automated message stating the document has been added to your file. Keep in mind this is not a guaranteed fix, especially if a decision has already been made on your application.

What to Do If Your PGWP Is Refused

If your PGWP application is refused, your first step is to check your current status and whether you still meet the PGWP eligibility criteria.

If you were working while your application was being processed, that authorization ends on the date of refusal. You must stop working immediately. Continuing to work without authorization can affect your eligibility for status restoration and other immigration programs.

From there, your options depend on your situation.

If your refusal was caused by a missing language test and you held valid results before you submitted your original application, you may be able to request a reconsideration through the IRCC web form and include the test.

If you are within 90 days of losing your status, you can apply to restore your status and, if eligible, reapply for the PGWP. While a restoration application is being processed, you can stay in Canada, but you cannot work until it is approved and your new permit is issued. Restoration is not guaranteed, so if your case is complicated or your status is at risk, it is worth getting advice from an authorized immigration representative before you act.