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.
Key Takeaways
- New PGWP refusal rate: 21% (January to November 2025), up from 13% in 2023
- PGWP extension refusal rate: 3% in 2025, up marginally from 2% in prior years
- Total PGWP issuances have fallen across all fields of study since 2023
- Applied Sciences programs saw the steepest decline, down 50.3% from 2023 to 2025
- Business/Commerce programs fell 40.5%, Computing/IT fell 36.7%
- Business, Management, and Marketing had the smallest decline at 21.1% among major fields
- PGWP eligibility for college graduates is restricted to designated fields of study since 2024
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 within 180 days of getting confirmation that you finished your program. If you apply from inside Canada, your study permit must still be valid, or you must restore your status first. 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
Why did PGWP refusal rates jump so sharply in 2025?
IRCC restricted college-level PGWP eligibility to graduates of designated fields in 2024 and made language test results a standard requirement. The combined effect of stricter rules, high application volumes, and closer scrutiny drove refusal rates from 12% in 2024 to 21% in the first 11 months of 2025.
Can I apply for a PGWP if my college program was not in a designated field?
No. Graduates of college programs in non-designated fields are not eligible for a PGWP. University degree graduates are generally still eligible regardless of field. Check IRCC's current eligibility criteria before applying.
How long is a PGWP valid?
A PGWP is issued for the same length as your completed program, up to a maximum of 3 years for programs of 2 years or longer. Programs under 8 months are not eligible. Programs between 8 months and 2 years receive a PGWP equal to the program length.
What language score do I need for a PGWP application?
IRCC requires a valid language test result from an approved provider. For English, the minimum is CLB 7 for university degree graduates and CLB 5 for college graduates. For French, the minimum is NCLC 7 for university degree graduates and NCLC 5 for college graduates. Test results are valid for 2 years from the date of testing.
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 a Strategy Consultation at www.amirismail.com/book-a-consultation.
