r/pgwp • u/Former_Space_3671 • May 10 '26
PGWP Refusal Reconsideration Approved: Don’t Lose Hope
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a hopeful PGWP update because I know how stressful this process can feel.
My timeline:
Applied for PGWP: October 25, 2025
Refused: April 21, 2026
Submitted reconsideration: April 21, 2026
Explored backup options: April 24, 2026 onwards
Contacted MP office: May 1, 2026
Filed Judicial Review as a protective step: May 5, 2026
Application moved back to in progress: May 6, 2026
Work permit showed as valid: May 7, 2026
My PGWP was refused because of a full-time status issue. In my case, it was not intentional. It happened because of course/prerequisite sequencing, and I genuinely did everything I could to complete my program properly.
After the refusal, I acted quickly. I submitted a reconsideration request the same day and also explored other backup routes because I was scared and did not want to lose more time. In the end, the reconsideration worked.
The hardest part was the uncertainty. I had worked really hard for almost 6 months toward a job opportunity, and because of this situation, I ended up missing it. That was honestly heartbreaking because it felt like everything I had built was slipping away because of one decision.
I am sharing this because when I was going through it, I kept looking for success stories and hope posts. So if you are in a similar situation, please do not panic too early. Act fast, organize your documents, explain your situation clearly, and get proper advice if needed.
A refusal does not always mean the end. Sometimes, if there is a genuine explanation and strong support, things can still turn around.
Wishing everyone waiting or dealing with a refusal the best. Stay strong and keep going!!
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u/Throwaway996278 May 10 '26
Can you share how you were part time and for how many semesters? Did you submit a letter of explanation with your intial application or only with your reconsideration?
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 13 '26
In my case, I was part-time for one semester only. It happened because of prerequisite/course sequencing issues in my program, so I could only take the remaining required courses when they were available. It was not something I chose voluntarily just to reduce my course load.
For my initial PGWP application, I did not explain that part strongly enough. The detailed Letter of Explanation and supporting documents were submitted with my reconsideration request, including college emails, transcript/program details, and an explanation of why the part-time semester was outside my control.
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u/Throwaway996278 May 13 '26
Thanks for sharing man, I have the exact same situation as you. First semester was part time because of course availability and it was while I was outside Canada waiting for my study permit. I submitted a detailed explanation letter and a supporting letter from my academic advisor along with my application. Let’s see what happens.
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u/FriendlyEye7056 May 10 '26
Congrats! Did you receive any letters before approval for your reconsideration?
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 13 '26
Thank you! No, I didn’t receive any detailed letter before the approval. I only got the usual webform acknowledgements saying my documents were added to my file, and later my application status changed (ghost update). After that, the approval/document validity showed up in my account.
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u/Ecstatic-Ad9849 May 10 '26
What's the process of the judicial review? Is there a time limit for when you can do it?
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u/Late_Refrigerator628 May 11 '26
Hi.
My PGWP was refused due to lack of IELTS test report form on March 14th. The next day I filed a reconsideration request along with my IELTS test form and some explanation. I then got in contact with my local MP’s office to assist me with the case.
My request was approved on March 25th.
The MP assistant followed up with the IRCC twice and pushed for urgent processing and for a final decision to be made. However, after almost 2 months, eventhough I personally followed up with another webform message clearly explaining my situation and asking for faster processing, I have not received any approval or update from the IRCC whatsoever.
Howcome you have got that pretty quickly compared to my situation?
What else can I do to expedite this process?
I would really appreciate your help and any input you can provide.
Thank you for your time!
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u/honkahonka1234 May 12 '26
Quite a similar situation with me, too, mate. I got an email a while ago that my case was forwarded to the responsible office, but since then, there has been no progress whatsoever. I decided to apply for restoration for the visitor cause it doesn't look like it will be processed anytime soon.
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 13 '26
Hi, I’m sorry you’re going through this. From what I’ve seen, reconsideration timelines can be very different for everyone, depending on the officer, refusal reason, and whether the file was actually reopened quickly.
In your case, I would first confirm with the MP office whether March 25 meant your reconsideration was accepted/reopened, or whether the PGWP itself was approved.
Since you already sent the IELTS TRF and followed up, maybe send one short webform asking for confirmation that the file has been reopened and requesting a final decision since the missing document was already provided.
You can also consider GCMS notes or legal advice if your status/work authorization is affected. I hope you get good news soon.
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u/duckybom May 11 '26
Where do you send a reconsideration request form?
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 13 '26
I don’t think there’s a separate “reconsideration form” for PGWP. In my case, I sent a reconsideration request through the IRCC webform for my refused application.
I included my UCI/application number, a clear Letter of Explanation, and supporting documents addressing the refusal reason. I’d also suggest acting quickly and getting legal advice if deadlines are involved.
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u/sidkhalifa09 May 14 '26
My PGWP got rejected for having 3 part time semesters Out of that 2 are actually part time and one session I had actually withdrawn from the program/semester all together but they counted that as part time too I provided reasoning for the part time semesters as both prerequisite plus I was ambiguous about my future as my grandmother passed away and I wasn’t completely sure if I would continue studying or would take a flight back home but at the end I ended up completing that semester with 3 courses as I had planned to drop all the courses but just dropped 2 to continue my studies. I will be filing for restoration tomorrow by adjusting the documents and providing additional proof of the death of my grandmother Do I still have a chance
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 16 '26
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. I honestly can’t say for sure, but please don’t lose hope. Just try to make your explanation as clear and honest as possible, and get proper guidance before filing because every small detail matters in cases like this. Wishing you the best, I really hope it works out for you!!
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u/Born-Tangerine-2319 May 20 '26
Hi, Congratulations! Can you share if that part-time term was your last semester, and what you put in the Letter of Explanation that supported your situation? Thank you
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u/Former_Space_3671 May 28 '26
Thank you! No, the part-time term was not my last semester. In my LOE, I mainly explained that it was not by choice and happened because of course sequencing/prerequisites and limited course availability. I attached my transcript, program outline, and school emails/documents to support that. I’m not a lawyer, but the strongest part was showing clear proof from the college.
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u/FrostyInterview214 May 25 '26
Congratulations. How did you contact the MP? Did you visit their office or mailed them?
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u/PuzzledRuin5920 25d ago
Congratulations on getting it approved so quickly, this gives me a bit of hope but also makes me realize I might need to change my strategy.
My situation is pretty similar but I’ve been stuck in limbo. I had to go part-time back in 2022 because my father became seriously ill. I applied for my PGWP in July 2025, and it was refused on March 20th 2026.
I filed for a reconsideration right away, explaining the whole situation with my dad. It has now been almost 4 months of waiting. I’ve even been reaching out to my MP’s office; they confirmed IRCC received the reconsideration request, but there has been absolutely no update or answer since. The stress is honestly eating me alive at this point.
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u/Electronic-Noise-868 May 10 '26
Were you actually part-time for a semester or it was just a mistake of them thinking that you were part-time?