From late June 2026, hundreds of international graduates of Portage College have received unexpected refusals of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. Most of them
Portage College PGWP Refusals: What Affected Graduates Need to Know
From late June 2026, hundreds of international graduates of Portage College have received unexpected refusals of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications. Most of them completed diploma programs offered through Portage College’s partnership with the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy (CIOT). They invested their important years of life in studying, paid over $15,000 in tuition each year, and expected to qualify for a work permit after graduation.
If you or someone you know has been affected with this refusal, then it is important to understand the situation and what options are available to protect your status in Canada. This Portage College PGWP refusals wave has left many students searching for refusal help as they try to figure out their next steps.
What’s Happening with Portage College Graduates?
In late June 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) started refusing Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications from many Portage College graduates. The refusal letters stated that their programs were non-credit, which made them ineligible for a PGWP under current Canadian immigration rules.
The refusals came shortly after IRCC updated its guidance for designated learning institutions on June 24, 2026. Many students believe this update was applied to programs they had already completed, even though they enrolled under earlier rules. Reports suggest that up to 1,500 graduates across Canada may have been affected, including many international students from India.
IRCC has said that the PGWP eligibility rules have not changed. According to the department, the June 24 update only clarified that non-credit programs have never been eligible for a PGWP. Portage College has also said that PGWP decisions are made only by IRCC and that while students were eligible to apply for a PGWP, approval was never guaranteed.
Why the Program Details Matter?
Not all Portage College graduates are affected in the same way. The college offers programs through different partners and campuses, so PGWP eligibility may depend on where and how the program was completed, not just the program name. This means that two students with the same diploma may receive different decisions. That is why it is important to carefully review your Letter of Acceptance, transcript, and other program documents to understand your situation.
What Affected Graduates Can Do?
If you have received a PGWP refusal tied to Portage College, you generally have a few avenues to consider:
- Request reconsideration. In some cases, IRCC will review a decision if new evidence or clarification is submitted, particularly around how a program was classified.
- Apply for judicial review. Refusals can be challenged at the Federal Court within the applicable time limit, which is why acting quickly matters.
- Gather your documentation now. Your Letter of Acceptance, tuition invoices, transcripts, and any written communication from the college about PGWP eligibility will all be relevant to any next step you take.
- Every case is different, and the deadlines are strict. A RCIC immigration consultant or an immigration lawyer can review your refusal letter and program details to explain your options.
This article reflects publicly reported information and is intended for general informational purposes only.
How CWC Can Help?
Our team of immigration consultants supports international graduates across Canada who are facing PGWP refusals, removal orders, or other immigration challenges. So. if you need help, then contact CWC Immigration as soon as possible.