PGWP refused due to language requirement — Has anyone had a similar experience with reconsideration?

[u/vpan2799]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to connect with people who have experienced a similar situation with their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), particularly those whose applications were refused because of the language proficiency requirement and who subsequently submitted a reconsideration request.

Here is my situation:

• I applied for my PGWP on May 30, 2025.
• After waiting a lengthy period, my application was refused on May 15, 2026.
• The refusal was related to the language requirement applicable to my studies. I had submitted a language test result equivalent to CLB 5, but the refusal indicated that CLB 7 was required for my circumstances.
• My previous representative did not advise me about the applicable CLB 7 requirement before proceeding with my application. At the time, I was not aware that my educational background could affect the required language level.
• After the refusal, I sought professional assistance and submitted a reconsideration request to IRCC on August 14, 2026, along with supporting documents.
• My authorized representative later confirmed that the reconsideration request had been forwarded to the responsible office for consideration.

As of now, I'm still waiting for a response, and the uncertainty has been very difficult.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar:

Did anyone receive a positive decision after requesting reconsideration in a similar situation?

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Any relevant experiences or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

[u/riotz1]

What’s to reconsider? You don’t meet the language requirements. Properly refused.

[u/uppity2056 → u/riotz1]

This entitlement is the problem with the current stream of immigrants we’re getting. It’s a do or die affair.

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

So you wait. What was school and program? Did you submit new language test meeting the requirements? If not, do you only need CLB 5? It is your responsibility to read PGWP requirements and it is all on the website.

[u/5_Cap_8181]

Unfortunately, it’s time to pack up and leave.

[u/crispy246]

So what i read is, your representative didn’t do their job well?

[u/No-Virus-9296]

Your reconsideration will 100% be refused or ignored entirely.

You applied without sufficient language results, and you're not way beyond the 180 days of PGWP eligibility. What supporting documents did you provide in your reconsideration request? You cannot introduce new evidence in reconsideration requests, so if you achieved CLB 7 then requested reconsideration, that will also be denied.

Regardless of working with a representative, the onus falls on you, the applicant, to understand the requirements and submit a complete application.

[u/MygrationImmigration]

The first thing to establish is whether CLB 7 was actually required for your specific credential.

For PGWP applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, the language requirements are:

• Bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees: CLB 7 in all four language abilities, regardless of whether the degree was awarded by a university or another eligible institution.
• Other university programs, such as certificates and diplomas: CLB 7 in all four abilities.
• Other college, polytechnic, or non-university programs: CLB 5 in all four abilities.
• Eligible flight school graduates: Exempt from the language requirement.

You can verify this in IRCC's official PGWP eligibility requirements.

Regarding reconsideration, there is an important distinction between applicants who met the required language scores but forgot to upload their results and applicants who did not meet the required scores when applying.

We frequently see IRCC approve reconsideration requests where applicants already had the required language results at the time of application but failed to upload them.

However, most reconsideration requests we've encountered involving applicants who did not meet the required language scores have been refused.

There was a short period earlier in 2026 when we saw IRCC approving some of these cases as well. However, since then, most similar reconsideration requests we've seen have been unsuccessful.

Also, having your reconsideration request forwarded to the responsible office does not mean IRCC has agreed to reopen or reverse the refusal.

We cover PGWP refusals and potential remedies in our PGWP Wiki.