PGWP Refusal Rate Jumped to 21% in 2025: What Graduates Must Know

Last Updated: 16 August 2026

By Amir Ismail, RCIC #R412319 | Amir Ismail & Associates

PGWP refusal rates for new applications climbed to 21% in the first 11 months of 2025, according to IRCC data shared by immigration lawyer Steven Meurrens on LinkedIn. That is up from 13% in 2023 and 12% in 2024. If you are a recent graduate planning to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, the odds of a refusal are now nearly 1 in 5.

The data covers PGWP applications processed between January 1, 2023 and November 30, 2025. PGWP extension refusal rates remain low at just 3% in 2025. The sharp increase is concentrated in new first-time applications.

New PGWP applications see the sharpest drop in approvals

Approval rates for new PGWP applications held almost steady through 2023 and 2024, then dropped by 9 percentage points in the first 11 months of 2025. This is not a gradual trend. PGWP extension approvals barely moved over the same period.

Application Type	2023 Refusal Rate	2024 Refusal Rate	2025 (Jan-Nov) Refusal Rate
New PGWP	13%	12%	21%
PGWP Extension	2%	2%	3%

Extensions remain low-risk because applicants must already hold a valid PGWP and meet specific criteria. Officers reviewing extensions deal with a pre-screened pool. New applications go through the full eligibility check, and stricter rules introduced since 2024 are catching more files at that stage.

Why are PGWP applications being refused?

What are the most common reasons for a PGWP refusal in 2025?

PGWP applications are most often refused because of program ineligibility, late filing, or missing documentation. The jump in refusals in 2025 follows several major policy changes that tightened PGWP eligibility rules starting in 2024.

Program ineligibility at colleges. Since 2024, college graduates can only receive a PGWP if their program falls within designated fields of study aligned with Canada’s labor market needs. Graduates of programs outside the approved list are not eligible. University degree graduates are generally still eligible regardless of field, but students enrolled in college programs before the rule change may have graduated into a disqualifying situation.

Language test results. IRCC now requires valid language test scores as a standard part of every PGWP application. Missing or expired test results lead to refusals. Test results are valid for two years from the date of testing. If your results have expired before you apply, get new ones.

Filing outside the permitted window. PGWP applications must be submitted before your study permit expires if still in Canada, or within 90 days of your program end date under specific conditions. Late applications are not accepted.

PGWP issuances by field of study: 2023 to 2025

Total PGWP volumes have fallen sharply across every field since 2023. This reflects both the stricter eligibility rules and the overall drop in international student arrivals since 2022.

Field of Study	2023	2025 (Jan-Nov)	Decline
Business, Management, Marketing	42,030	33,150	21.1%
Business/Commerce	48,895	29,110	40.5%
Computing/IT	36,805	23,290	36.7%
Arts/Humanities/Social Science	17,175	12,055	29.8%
Sciences, Health	15,940	11,685	26.7%
Sciences, Applied	20,325	10,100	50.3%
Hospitality/Tourism	11,045	6,490	41.2%
Sciences, General	7,390	3,680	50.2%
Trades/Vocational	3,255	2,270	30.3%
Arts, Fine/Visual/Performing	4,315	2,015	53.3%

Business, Management, Marketing produced the smallest decline among major fields at 21.1%. Health Sciences and Arts/Humanities also held up relatively well. Applied Sciences, General Sciences, and Fine Arts saw the steepest drops, losing roughly half their 2023 volumes.

What this means for you

If you already hold a PGWP

If you already hold a valid PGWP and are applying for an extension, your odds remain strong. A 3% refusal rate for extensions means 97% of applicants are approved. Submit on time with a complete package and your risk is low.

If you are applying for a new PGWP

Submit your application within the permitted filing window before your study permit expires. Include valid language test results. Confirm that your program was PGWP-eligible when you enrolled and when you graduated. If you studied at a college, verify your field of study appears on the IRCC designated fields of study list. If you are unsure whether your program qualifies, talk to a licensed RCIC before submitting.

Do not assume that because a classmate got a PGWP, you will too. Program-level eligibility can differ even within the same institution and year.

If you are still choosing a study program

Choose a program with a clear, confirmed pathway to PGWP eligibility before you enroll. University degree programs are generally eligible regardless of field. College programs must be in a designated field. Confirm eligibility with the institution’s international student office and check IRCC’s own page directly. PGWP rules can change at any time.

If you are applying for a study permit with a PGWP pathway in mind, get professional advice early. Choosing the wrong program can cost you years of eligibility.

Frequently asked questions

---

Amir Ismail is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, RCIC #R412319. This article provides general information only and does not constitute immigration advice for your specific situation.

For personalized guidance on your PGWP application, Book Your Strategy Assessment at www.amirismail.com/book-a-consultation.

Explore More Immigration Updates By Amir Ismail