Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is developing a dedicated field for language test results on its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application portal, according to a confirmation from Minister Lena Diab’s office.
The change comes in response to widespread confusion among international graduates who, unable to find a specific upload field for language scores, submitted incomplete applications and faced rejection.
Why This Change Matters
Since November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants have been required to submit language test results as part of their application, regardless of their level of study. However, IRCC’s online portal was never updated to reflect this requirement due to what the department described as “system limitations.”
Applicants were expected to upload their language test reports under the generic “Client Information” section — a placement many graduates missed entirely.
Between November 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, IRCC received more than 302,000 PGWP applications. Of those, 945 were rejected specifically due to missing language documents, according to a department spokesperson.
How the New Field Will Work
IRCC is developing a dedicated slot within the PGWP application portal where applicants can directly upload their language test results. This change is part of broader IT improvements at the department.
No implementation date has been announced. Until the new field goes live, international graduates must continue submitting their language scores through the existing process.
Current Language Test Requirements for PGWP
PGWP applicants need to submit results from an IRCC-designated language test in either English or French. Test results remain valid for two years from the testing date.
The required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on the applicant’s program of study:
- University bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or other university programs (including college bachelor’s degrees): CLB 7
- College programs or other non-university programs: CLB 5
How to Submit Language Results Right Now
Until the dedicated field is available, international graduates must upload their language test report under the “Client Information” section of their online application. IRCC provides the following guidance:
- Only one file can be saved in the Client Information section
- If you have multiple documents (e.g., language test + program confirmation letter), combine them into a single PDF before uploading
- Compress your file if necessary to meet IRCC’s system size limits
- Detailed instructions are available on IRCC’s official upload guidance page
What to Do If You Already Submitted Without Language Results
If you submitted your PGWP application without including language test results, you still have options:
Use the IRCC Web Form: Go to the “Ask about or update your application” section of the IRCC web form. Select “Add a document to your application,” fill in your application number and UCI, and upload your language test report. Unlike the main portal, the web form allows multiple file uploads as long as the total size stays under 3.5 MB.
If your application was rejected: If your study permit is still valid, you can submit a new PGWP application. If your study permit has expired, you must first apply for restoration of status as a student, then submit a new PGWP application — provided you are still within 180 days of completing your program. You may also request a reconsideration of the refused decision through IRCC’s web form, ideally within 30 days of receiving the refusal letter.
Looking Ahead
The dedicated language test field, once implemented, will eliminate one of the most common sources of PGWP application rejections. For now, international graduates should double-check their applications to ensure language results are included under the Client Information section before submission.