The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is set to introduce a feature for submitting language test results on its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application portal. This change aims to alleviate ongoing confusion experienced by international graduates applying for PGWPs. The spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Diab indicated that this update is part of broader improvements to the department’s IT systems.
New Language Test Requirement for PGWP Applicants
Starting November 1, 2024, a new language test requirement will be mandatory for all PGWP applicants, independent of their field of study. This initiative comes in response to a significant oversight—despite the introduction of the language test necessity, the existing application portal had not been adjusted to include a specific section for these results.
Application Statistics and Rejections
Between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, the IRCC recorded over 302,000 PGWP applications. Notably, 945 applications were rejected due to missing language test results. This situation has led to numerous applicants mistakenly believing that submitting language results was unnecessary.
Language Test Submission Guidelines
Under the new requirements, all PGWP seekers must submit results from an official language test in English or French. The results of these tests are valid for two years from the date of testing. Proficiency levels are determined by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system and vary based on the applicant’s educational background:
- University bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs; College bachelor’s degree programs: CLB 7
- College programs and other non-university disciplines: CLB 5
Current Submission Process
To properly submit language test results for PGWP applications, international students must upload their documents under the “Client Information” section of their online account. It’s crucial to note that only one file can be saved here. If multiple files are uploaded, only the most recent will be retained. For applicants needing to submit more than one document, combining them into a single file, such as a PDF, is recommended.
Post-Application Adjustments
If an applicant submitted their PGWP application without the necessary language test results, they can still add missing documents. They should access the IRCC web form and follow these steps:
- Select “Add a document to your application.”
- Identify yourself as the principal applicant.
- Provide your application number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
- Indicate that the document was not requested by IRCC.
- Upload the required documents (within a total limit of 3.5 megabytes).
Action for Rejected Applications
For those whose PGWP applications have been rejected, options are available, depending on the status of their study permit. If the study permit is valid, reapplication is possible. However, if it has expired, applicants must first apply for restoration of their student status before submitting a new PGWP application. In cases of refusals, reconsideration requests can be submitted, ideally within 30 days of receiving refusal letters.
As the IRCC prepares to enhance the PGWP application process by including a specific field for language test results, international students are advised to stay informed and follow the current procedures to ensure their applications meet all necessary requirements.
