An international graduate in Canada had already spent months waiting for a decision on their Post-Graduation Work Permit application. The permit represented the next stage of life after school: the ability to work, gain Canadian experience, and move forward with some stability.
Then the refusal arrived.
The officer concluded that the application did not include an IRCC-approved language test. For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, applicants must meet the required Canadian Language Benchmark or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien level in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
“Client submitted application ... but does not have an IRCC approved language test. Therefore the application is refused.”
After such a long wait, the refusal left the graduate facing more than a disappointing decision. Their ability to begin working in Canada and plan what came next was suddenly uncertain.
Requesting reconsideration of the same application
The graduate came to Verge Immigration for help understanding whether the refused application could still be revisited. Our licensed RCIC reviewed the complete record, the refusal, and the Officer Decision Notes.
We prepared a request for reconsideration supported by detailed written advocacy and file-specific submissions. To protect the client and Verge’s proprietary approach, the legal and evidentiary strategy is not reproduced here.
IRCC agreed to reconsider the refused application. The file was reopened, and an In Canada Approval Letter was later issued for the work permit.
A closed-looking file was reopened
For the graduate, the approval brought relief after months of uncertainty. The same application that had been refused was reopened, reconsidered, and approved, allowing the client to move forward with valid authorization to work in Canada.
A refusal does not automatically mean reconsideration is available or appropriate. The next step depends on the reason for refusal, the record that was before the officer, the evidence available, and any applicable deadlines.
If your PGWP has been refused, review our guidance for refused and complex PGWP applications and learn more about IRCC reconsideration requests. To discuss your own circumstances with a licensed RCIC, Book a Consultation.