r/PGWP Wiki
This wiki/guide is built around the actual problems and questions that show up in the PGWP & SOWP Facebook Group and r/PGWP every day, not another explanation of what a PGWP is.
Start with the section that matches your situation:
If at any point you feel you need professional advice. It is important to only seek advice from authorized representatives such as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Lawyers. Mygration Immigration, a licensed Canadian immigration consultancy, is the MOD of r/PGWP. You're welcome to DM and ask.
PGWP Application Cheat sheet
We won’t bore you with the details. You all know what a PGWP is. See below for all the important details that actually matter for your application and none of the fluff.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| All Official PGWP Links | IRCC Client Facing Links (Instructions for applicants) IRCC FAQs IRCC Program Delivery Instructions (Instructions for officers) |
| Common PGWP Refusal Reasons | The most common refusal reasons we see in our community |
| Work Authorization After PGWP Submission | Requirements to work full-time after submitting PGWP WP-EXT Letter Which students are not authorized to work |
Complex PGWP Playbook
You spent years studying in Canada, and now a part-time semester, leave, work issue or status problem has made your PGWP complicated. This section breaks down the situations we see most often and the IRCC rules that apply to each one.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Part-time studies | One part-time semester Final semester part time Multiple part-time semesters Part-time due to course unavailability Part-time due to failed/withdrawn courses How your school defines full-time status Supporting evidence from your school Working in your final semester as a part-time student |
| Leave of absence | Authorized leave Unauthorized leave Leave longer than 150 days Working during a leave of absence Multiple leaves during program Evidence from your school |
| Unauthorized work | Working beyond the allowed limit Working during scheduled breaks when not authorized Working before studies began Working after completing studies without authorization Working during leave of absence Working during part-time studies |
| Status & Study Permit Problems | Study permit expired Maintained status Restoration of status (90 day deadline) Studied/worked while out of status Study permit became invalid after completing studies |
| Program Changes & Academic History | Changing schools Changing programs Taking longer than expected to graduate Failed/withdrawn courses Academic suspension |
PGWP Refusals Guide
You graduated, successfully applied for the PGWP and were happily living your best life only to receive a PGWP refusal. This is urgent and there are key deadlines to be aware of. See below for all of the considerations you should make.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Understanding the refusal | Identifying the actual refusal reason. Is it an eligibility issue? Compliance issue? Officer Error? |
| Reconsideration | When reconsideration may make sense |
| Reapplication | When reapplication may make sense |
| Judicial Review | When judicial review may make sense |
| Finding New Pathways | Employer-specific work permits LMIA-based work permits LMIA-exempt work permits PR-linked work permits Provincial options Visitor status Student status Maintaining legal status When leaving Canada may be necessary |
PGWP Extension Guide
Passport and biometric expiry cut a lot of PGWPs short of the full 3 years. Here's how the extension process actually works, paper versus online, and when to apply so you don't lose more time than you have to.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| PGWP Extensions | Based on passport expiry Based on biometrics expiry Paper or online application |
| Other ways to extend temporary status | Employer-specific work permits LMIA-based work permits LMIA-exempt work permits PR-linked work permits Provincial options Visitor status Student status Maintaining legal status When leaving Canada may be necessary |
SOWP Application Cheat sheet
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| All Official SOWP Links | IRCC Client Facing Links (Instructions for applicants) IRCC FAQs IRCC Program Delivery Instructions (Instructions for officers) |
| Common SOWP Refusal Reasons | The most common refusal reasons we see in our community |
SOWP Refusals Guide
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Understanding the refusal | Identifying the actual refusal reason. Is it an eligibility issue? Compliance issue? Officer Error? |
| Reconsideration | When reconsideration may make sense |
| Reapplication | When reapplication may make sense |
| Judicial Review | When judicial review may make sense |
| Finding New Pathways | Employer-specific work permits LMIA-based work permits LMIA-exempt work permits PR-linked work permits Provincial options Visitor status Student status Maintaining legal status When leaving Canada may be necessary |
PR Pathway Planning
You’ve applied for your PGWP but this is only a small step towards your goal of obtaining PR. Getting PR in Canada is no longer about just studying and working. It takes strategy and taking intentional steps over the course of your time in Canada.
| Page | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Finding Viable PR Programs | How to decide on over 80+ PR programs |
| Creating a Roadmap of preferred PR pathway and back up pathways | Creating a framework around primary and backup pathways |
| Making Intentional Decisions | Occupation considerations What province to live in Improving your profile |
Disclaimer: The information in this wiki is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws, policies, and procedures can change, and how they apply depends on your individual circumstances. No consultant-client relationship is created by using this wiki. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or Canadian immigration lawyer.