In recent months, several international student graduates have faced refusals of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications due to missing language test results and/or documentation proving their field of study. This issue arose because Canada's immigration system did not previously include sections in the application portal to upload these essential documents. 

This led some applicants to assume that such documents were not required, which ultimately resulted in their application being refused. This mistake can prevent graduates from securing the opportunity to work in Canada and hinder their eligibility for popular permanent residency (PR) pathways for international graduates. 

To address this, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new section on December 10, 2025, outlining how applicants can submit proof of language results and documentation proving their field of study when applying for a PGWP. 

How to Submit Language Test Results and Proof of Field of Study 

IRCC’s application system does not specifically ask for language test results or proof of the field of study in its online document checklist. However, IRCC’s updated instructions clarify how applicants can submit these documents. 

Applicants should upload their language test results and proof of their eligible field of study under the “Client Information” section in their online account. 

Here are some important tips: 

What to Do If You Already Submitted Your PGWP Application Without the Required Documents 

If you have already submitted your PGWP application without the necessary documents, you can update IRCC through the department's web form. The web form allows applicants to request updates or add missing documentation. 

Here’s how to add the missing documents: 

Who Needs to Submit Language Test Results and Proof of Field of Study? 

In 2024, IRCC introduced new requirements for PGWP applicants, including the submission of language test results and proof of the field of study for some applicants. 

Language Test Requirement: 
All applicants must submit language test results, regardless of the level of study they completed. The results must be from an officially designated testing organization. The required level of proficiency is measured by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB), with the following requirements based on the level of study: 

Field of Study Requirement: 
Applicants must meet field of study requirements if their program is below the level of a college bachelor’s degree. Specifically: 

To prove eligibility, applicants from non-university programs are generally required to submit an official graduation letter from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which should include the Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) code for their program. 

Conclusion 

As IRCC continues to refine the PGWP application process, it’s crucial for applicants to follow the updated instructions carefully. Missing documents, particularly language test results and proof of field of study, can lead to refusals and missed opportunities. Ensure your application is complete by including all required documentation in the “Client Information” section, or by updating IRCC if you’ve already submitted your application without these documents.