PGWP Eligibility: Common Mistakes Made by Undergraduate Graduates (2025)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit, PGWP Eligibility serves as a crucial stepping stone for many international students transitioning from academic life to the Canadian workforce. It is a one-time, open work permit designed to allow eligible graduates from designated learning institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can significantly strengthen their profile when applying for permanent residence through pathways like Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Yet despite its popularity, many undergraduate graduates still experience unexpected rejections or delays due to misconceptions about PGWP eligibility or improper application practices. The goal of this article is to outline frequent pitfalls observed among applicants between 2020 and 2025 and provide clear guidance on how to avoid these common mistakes.
Incorrect Form Selection
Applying with the wrong form can derail even the most promising PGWP application. It’s essential to select the appropriate form based on your location and immigration status at the time of submission.
- Inland Applicants – Form IMM 5710
If you are inside Canada and your study permit is still valid, use IMM 5710 to change conditions or extend your stay. This form allows applicants to transition directly into PGWP status while remaining in the country. Applications must be submitted within 90 calendar days of your program completion date (based on the final transcript or an official graduation letter).
Pro tip: When using the IRCC online portal, clearly select “Work Permit” > “Post-Graduation Work Permit.” Do not rely solely on system-generated dropdowns. Inconsistencies or vague purposes may delay or invalidate your application.
- Outland Applicants – Form IMM 1295
This form is used when applying from outside Canada or if your study permit has already expired and you do not currently hold valid temporary resident status. You must apply within 180 days of program completion. Applicants often mistakenly believe they can remain in Canada and submit IMM 1295 while their permit has lapsed — this is risky and may result in refusal unless status restoration is also requested.
In addition, some choose the outland option for personal reasons (travel, family, job offers abroad), which is allowed — but be sure to justify clearly in your cover letter.
Submitting Without Valid Temporary Resident Status
Applicants must maintain valid temporary resident status (as a student, visitor, or worker) when submitting a PGWP application from within Canada.
- Hidden Expiry of Study Permits
The printed expiration date on a study permit can be misleading. IRCC policy states that the permit becomes invalid 90 days after your official graduation date. If you apply after this grace period, even with a valid document on hand, your application may be considered out-of-status.
Example: You graduate May 15, 2024. Your study permit expires February 2025. If you apply for a PGWP after August 13, 2024, your permit is no longer valid under immigration law.
- Restoring Lost Status
If you’ve lost status, you can apply to restore it — but only within 90 days of expiry. Include both your restoration and PGWP applications, pay two separate processing fees, and write a detailed explanation. This is a discretionary process, so clarity and honesty matter.
If more than 90 days have passed and you’re still in Canada, you should leave the country and apply from abroad to avoid being marked as unlawfully present.
Not Meeting Full-Time Student Requirements
Maintaining full-time status during your academic program is critical for PGWP eligibility. This means being enrolled in the minimum course load your institution defines as full-time during each regular academic semester (excluding scheduled breaks).
- Dropping to Part-Time Without Proper Documentation
If you drop to part-time due to illness or personal crisis, you must obtain a medical note or official leave authorization. Failing to do so may result in IRCC deeming that semester as non-qualifying. - Non-Eligible Programs and ESL Pathways
Programs like ESL courses, preparatory programs, or general interest certificates are not eligible unless they’re integrated into a diploma or degree program. Always confirm with your institution whether your program qualifies before assuming PGWP eligibility. - Enrolling at Multiple Institutions Without Transfer Credits
Students often take courses at multiple institutions to fulfill graduation requirements. However, if the credits aren’t transferred back to your DLI and do not count toward your final credential, IRCC may reject your claim of full-time enrollment. - Disruptions from COVID-19 and Online Learning
During the pandemic, IRCC made temporary policy exceptions for online learning and part-time studies. If you relied on those policies, reference them in your application with supporting documents. Don’t assume officers will know your context unless you explain it.
Other Common Violations or Missteps
- Working Without Authorization
Students are allowed to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions, but only if they meet the eligibility criteria. Violating this rule — especially by working full-time during a semester — is a major red flag. IRCC may check records through SIN activity or CRA audits. - Attempting to “Flagpole” Without Approval
Flagpoling (leaving and immediately re-entering Canada to activate a new permit) is legally permitted but must be done correctly. Without an approval letter or valid reason, you may be denied re-entry or turned away at the border. - Remaining in Canada With No Valid Status
If you take a leave of absence exceeding 150 days without notifying IRCC or applying for a change of status, you’re considered out-of-status. Resuming classes without fixing this first could result in being deemed as illegally studying. - Using Someone Else’s Permit or SIN
Some students, out of desperation, work under another person’s credentials. This is not only illegal but also easily traceable by employers, banks, or the CRA. Such behaviour can result in permanent inadmissibility.
Conclusion
Applying for a PGWP is more than just filling out a form — it’s a legally binding process tied to your compliance with Canadian immigration law. Officers have broad discretion, and the best way to protect yourself is to submit a thorough and truthful application.
Don’t wait for IRCC to request documents — anticipate what they need. Be honest about any errors and include explanation letters when appropriate. Most importantly, avoid last-minute submissions and ensure your temporary resident status is always valid.
While a PGWP doesn’t guarantee permanent residency, it can open essential doors toward long-term settlement in Canada. Take it seriously, stay informed, and prepare proactively — your future depends on it.
