Canada Study Permit Approved After PGWP Refusal: Portage College Student’s Success Story
A PGWP refusal can create uncertainty and stress for international students in Canada, especially when they have completed their studies and are suddenly facing difficulties with their immigration status.
Today, we are sharing the success story of a student who studied at Portage College and received a refusal of his Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Despite this setback, he applied for a new study permit with restoration of status and recently received approval.
This case provides motivation and hope for students who are facing a similar situation after their PGWP refusal.
1. Study Permit Approved on October 29, 2026
The student recently received his study permit approval on October 29, 2026, from inside Canada, along with restoration of status.
His new study permit is valid until March 2029, allowing him to continue his studies in Canada.
His new program is a two-year Diploma in Business Administration at Bow Valley College, with a specialization in Digital Marketing. His studies are scheduled to begin in January 2027.
This approval has allowed him to maintain his status in Canada while other immigration proceedings continue in parallel.
2. Student’s Journey in Canada
The student first arrived in Canada in March 2023 and began his studies in March–April 2023.
His educational journey includes three programs:
First Study: Diploma in Computing Support at FCMT College, from March 2023 to December 2023.
Second Study: Two-year Diploma in Business Management at Portage College, beginning in May 2024 and completed in February 2026.
Third Study: Diploma in Business Administration at Bow Valley College, with a specialization in Digital Marketing, beginning in January 2027.
After completing his first program, he took a break of approximately four months before starting his second program.
During his studies at Portage College, he applied for study permit extensions twice. His latest study permit was valid until July 30, 2026.
3. PGWP Refusal: What Happened?
The student completed his Diploma in Business Management at Portage College and applied for his PGWP on April 12, 2026.
At that time, students were applying for their PGWP through the normal application process. However, on July 14, 2026, he received a refusal along with many other Portage College students.
The refusal reason was related to the non-credit nature of the program.
This situation affected approximately 1,500 students. Many students found themselves facing the same problem, despite having completed their studies.
The rule was updated on June 24, 2026, but the same rule was also applied to earlier applications. This subsequently became a basis for students pursuing judicial review.
4. Judicial Review Is Also in Process
The student has already submitted a judicial review application against his PGWP refusal.
His judicial review is proceeding alongside his new study permit. If a positive result is received during his new studies, he may be able to obtain his PGWP through the judicial review process.
The hope is that he will receive his three-year PGWP and will not have to complete another program unnecessarily.
The student has already spent considerable time and money on his education in Canada. He has also paid tuition fees for multiple programs and incurred additional expenses for the PGWP refusal, judicial review, and further study permit application.
His case reflects the difficulties experienced by many students who studied at Portage College.
5. Understanding Your Course Completion Date
One important aspect of this case is the course completion date.
The student’s course completion letter mentioned February 20, 2026, as the completion date and was issued on April 6, 2026. His transcript mentioned March 17, 2026.
Since March 17, 2026, was earlier than April 6, 2026, it was considered the completion date based on the documents.
However, many students received their course completion letters and transcripts much later than the dates mentioned on the documents.
6. Which date should you consider?
The date on which you actually received your course completion letter or transcript can also be relevant.
For example, if you received these documents on June 6, 2026, you may be able to claim that date as your course completion date. However, you must provide proof that you received the documents on that particular date, such as an email or other communication.
Otherwise, the date mentioned in the first document you received, whether it was the course completion letter or transcript, may be considered your completion date.
This is particularly important if you are pursuing judicial review. You need to carefully consider your completion date and provide supporting evidence if you are claiming the date on which you received your documents.
7. English Language Proficiency and Previous Canadian Studies
The student had an English test score of 6.5 overall, with no band less than 5.5.
Although this English test was initially provided for the PGWP application, the same document was also attached to his new study permit application.
However, an English test was not mandatory for this study permit application.
Completing a previous program in Canada can also demonstrate that you have already studied successfully in Canada and are capable of completing another program.
If you have previously completed a diploma in Canada, you may be able to demonstrate your ability to complete your future studies through your previous educational experience.
8. Study Permit Application: Financial Details
For his new study permit application, the student paid an initial deposit of approximately CAD 6,500, along with some additional tuition fees.
The financial capacity of the entire family was also demonstrated. Approximately CAD 90,000 in funds were available, including funds in Canada and outside Canada.
The application was submitted with restoration of status on September 29, 2026, and the study permit was approved on October 29, 2026.
9. Can You Travel to India After Your Study Permit Approval?
The student wanted to visit India during the two months before his new studies began.
Yes, he can travel outside Canada after receiving his study permit approval and return before the start of his studies.
However, you must ensure that you have a valid visa stamp in your passport to travel back to Canada.
A valid visa stamp may be a study visa, work visa, visitor visa, or TRV. Make sure that you have the required valid visa stamp before travelling.
10. Another Possible Pathway: French Language and a Closed Work Permit
There is another option discussed for students who want to extend their stay in Canada.
If you have an employer who is ready to support you with a job offer and you complete French A2 level in two modules—listening and speaking—you may be able to apply for a three-year closed work permit.
You do not necessarily need French B2 level for this pathway. French A2 in two modules, along with an employer-supported job offer, may be sufficient for this option.
The job can be in any TEER category, including TEER 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, provided the employer is ready to support you.
This can provide additional time to work in Canada and pursue your PR journey.
11. Start Planning Your PR Journey
If you have studied at Portage College and received a PGWP refusal, you should carefully assess your available options.
A new study permit may help you maintain your status in Canada, but the future of your PGWP remains an important question. You should also consider other possible pathways, including learning French and exploring an employer-supported work permit.
The student in this success story has received a new study permit approval, and his judicial review is still in process. The hope is that he will receive a positive outcome and eventually move forward with his PR journey.
12. Need Assistance With Your Case?
If you are also facing a PGWP refusal or are unsure about maintaining your status in Canada, you can connect to discuss your case.
If you are inside Canada, you can call after 6:00 PM Ontario time to discuss your situation.
You can also watch the separate video explaining the French A2 pathway and the possibility of obtaining a three-year closed work permit.
Thank you for watching and reading. See you in the next update!
