The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a valuable opportunity for international graduates in Canada to gain Canadian work experience after completing their studies. Depending on the length of your program of study, a PGWP can be issued for up to three years. This work permit often plays a crucial role in helping graduates gain the Canadian work experience needed to qualify for permanent residency programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
However, there are cases where applicants receive a PGWP with a validity shorter than what they are eligible for. This can happen due to administrative errors, missing documents, or misunderstandings about program length. If this has happened to you, you may be able to request a PGWP reconsideration — and it’s strongly recommended that you seek professional guidance before doing so.
Understanding PGWP Eligibility and Duration
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues PGWPs based on the length of your eligible program of study:
- Programs less than 8 months → Not eligible for a PGWP.
- Programs between 8 months and less than 2 years → PGWP issued for the length of the study program.
- Programs 2 years or longer → PGWP can be issued for up to 3 years.
It’s important to remember that the duration is determined by the official length of the program, not necessarily how long you personally took to complete it.
Why You Might Get a Shorter PGWP
Several factors can cause IRCC to issue a shorter PGWP than expected:
- Passport Expiry Date – IRCC will not issue a work permit beyond the validity of your passport. If your passport expires sooner, your PGWP will be shortened to match it.
- Incomplete Transcripts or Letters – If your school documents were unclear or incomplete, IRCC may have misunderstood the program length.
- Errors in Program Length Assessment – Sometimes IRCC officers make mistakes in calculating program duration.
- Multiple Programs – If you completed multiple programs back-to-back, IRCC may have overlooked the combined eligibility.
- Clerical or Administrative Mistakes – Simple processing errors can result in incorrect issuance.
What Is PGWP Reconsideration?
A PGWP reconsideration is a formal request to IRCC to review their decision and correct any errors related to the validity period of your work permit. It is not a new application — it’s asking IRCC to revisit the original decision with additional clarification or evidence.
Because the success of a reconsideration request depends heavily on presenting the right evidence and arguments, consulting an immigration professional before applying can save you time and improve your chances of approval.
When to Apply for Reconsideration
You should request PGWP reconsideration as soon as possible after you receive your work permit and notice the discrepancy. Although IRCC does not have an official deadline for reconsideration requests, acting quickly increases your chances of success.
Consider applying for reconsideration if:
- Your PGWP expiry date is shorter than what your program length allows.
- You provided all the required documents, but IRCC still issued a shorter permit.
How to Request a PGWP Reconsideration
While you can submit a request yourself, having an experienced immigration consultant prepare it ensures all key details are addressed from the start. Here’s the general process:
- Consult a Professional
- A regulated immigration consultant can review your case, identify the reasons for the shorter PGWP, and prepare a strategy tailored to your situation.
- Gather All Supporting Documents
- Official transcripts.
- Letter of completion showing program start and end dates.
- Proof of program length (e.g., program outline).
- Passport copy (renewed if applicable).
- The work permit issued to you.
- Prepare a Detailed Explanation Letter
- Clearly explain why your PGWP should have been longer.
- Reference IRCC’s guidelines and policies.
- Highlight any errors or missing considerations in the original assessment.
- Submit to IRCC via Web Form
- Select the work permit enquiry option, attach your explanation letter and documents.
- Wait for a Response
- Timelines vary, but most reconsiderations take a few weeks to a few months.
What If Reconsideration Is Not Granted?
If IRCC refuses your reconsideration request or does not respond, other options may still be available:
- Apply for an Extension – If shortened due to passport expiry, you can apply for an extension after renewing your passport.
- Explore Other Work Permit Options – A consultant can help assess eligibility for alternative work permits or pathways.
Key Takeaways
- Always check your PGWP details immediately upon receiving it.
- Keep your passport valid for at least three years before applying.
- Provide clear and complete academic documents.
- Seek professional assistance before applying for reconsideration — it could make all the difference.
If you received a Post-Graduation Work Permit for less time than you are eligible for, don’t wait — our team at Saranova Immigration Inc. can prepare a strong PGWP reconsideration request for you and guide you through the process to maximize your work permit duration. Contact us today to get started. Call Us at 647-642-3223 or email at contact@saranova.ca.
