Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on adding a dedicated field for language test results to its post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application portal following ongoing confusion among applicants.
According to a report by Global News, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that the update is part of broader IT system improvements being developed by the department. The spokesperson also acknowledged that the current online application system has created uncertainty for many international graduates.
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The issue began after the federal government introduced mandatory language test requirements for PGWP applicants in 2024. However, IRCC did not update its online application portal at the same time, citing “system limitations.”
As a result, many applicants were unable to find a designated section to upload their language test results. This led some international students to mistakenly believe the documents were not required, causing numerous PGWP applications to be refused due to missing language test submissions.
Language test results are mandatory for all PGWP applications submitted after November 1, 2024, regardless of the applicant’s level of study.
Between November 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025, IRCC received over 302,000 PGWP applications. According to department data, 945 applications were refused for language-related reasons.
IRCC has not yet announced when the updated language test field will be introduced. Until then, international students must continue submitting their language test results according to IRCC’s current instructions.
Who Must Submit Language Test Results?
Under the updated PGWP eligibility rules introduced in November 2024, all applicants must provide results from an approved English or French language test when submitting their initial application. Language test results remain valid for two years from the date of the exam.
The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score depends on the applicant’s program of study:
• University bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and other university programs, including college bachelor’s degree programs: CLB 7
• College diploma programs and other non-university programs: CLB 5
How to Submit Language Test Results for a PGWP Application
Currently, international graduates must upload their language test results under the “Client Information” section of their IRCC online account.
Applicants should note that only one file can be uploaded in this section. Uploading a second file will automatically replace the first one.
If additional documents are required, such as a language test report and a letter from the educational institution confirming the program or field of study, IRCC advises applicants to combine all documents into a single PDF file before uploading.
Applicants may also need to compress the file to meet IRCC’s upload size requirements.
What to Do If You Already Submitted Your Application Without Language Test Results
Applicants who forgot to include their language test documents may still have options available.
IRCC allows applicants to upload missing documents through its web form. To do this:
• Visit the “Ask about or update your application” section of the IRCC web form.
• Select “Add a document to your application.”
• Choose “I’m the principal applicant.”
• Enter your application number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
• Select “No, I want to add the document(s) to support or complete my application.”
• Upload the required files.
Unlike the regular application portal, the IRCC web form allows multiple file uploads, provided the total file size remains under 3.5 MB.
What Happens If Your PGWP Application Was Refused?
Applicants whose PGWP applications were refused due to missing language test results may still be able to reapply.
If the study permit is still valid, applicants can submit a new PGWP application. However, if the study permit has expired, applicants may need to apply for restoration of status as a student before reapplying for a PGWP, provided they are still within 180 days of completing their program.
Applicants may also request reconsideration of the refusal decision through IRCC’s web form or by email if contact details were included in the refusal letter.
There is no official fee or deadline to request reconsideration, although applicants are encouraged to act quickly, ideally within 30 days of receiving the refusal.
Because reconsideration requests are not guaranteed to succeed, many applicants choose to seek guidance from a regulated Canadian immigration consultant or immigration lawyer.
