When this international graduate finished university, the plan was to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and begin working in Canada. One semester in the academic record, however, had always been a concern. During Winter 2024, the student had taken only one course even though it was not the final semester.
That semester became the reason IRCC refused the PGWP application. After completing a degree and preparing to move into working life, the graduate was left unsure about what would happen next.
The reason for refusal
The Officer Decision Notes were direct. IRCC found that the student had not maintained full-time status during Winter 2024 because the semester included only one course. The complete document is shown below.
IRCC document
Officer Decision Notes
The first reconsideration did not change the decision
A request for reconsideration was submitted, but the first response was not what the graduate had hoped for. IRCC said there were insufficient grounds to reconsider the decision, and the refusal remained in place.
It felt like the door had closed again. Rather than rush into another step, we went back through the application history and the correspondence carefully.
IRCC document
First reconsideration response
The application was reopened
After reviewing the full record, Verge Immigration prepared a further reconsideration request based on the circumstances of this file. IRCC later confirmed that there were sufficient grounds to reopen the application and asked for payment of the open work permit fee.
This was not an approval yet. It meant the refused application was active again and the graduate would receive a new decision.
IRCC document
Application reopened
A three-year work permit was approved
The next important update was the one the graduate had been waiting for. An In Canada Approval Letter appeared in the portal, followed by a work permit shown as valid through 2029.
For the graduate, the approval meant being able to move forward with work and life in Canada after months of uncertainty. The path had included a refusal and an unsuccessful first reconsideration request before the application was finally reopened and approved.
If your PGWP has been refused or your study history includes a part-time semester, you can read more about refused and complex PGWP matters. To have your own circumstances reviewed, Book a Consultation.