Latest Updates
July 15, 2026, 10:00 P.M. MT:
Following legal advice received by Portage College, we have been advised that a letter of support from the College would not be relevant to the assessment of Post-Graduation Work Permit applications. As a result, the College is not issuing letters of support for these applications. Completion letters are the recommended documents to send on behalf of the College. The previous letter provided is not legal advice, does not constitute a representation by the College to IRCC on behalf of an individual student, and does not confirm or guarantee PGWP eligibility or any other immigration outcome. Affected students should obtain independent advice from either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant promptly because legal and immigration processes may be subject to time limits.
July 14, 2026, 4:00 P.M. MT:
Portage College is aware that some graduates of certain non-credit programs have received refusals of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications, including applications that included a letter issued by the College.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses each application individually and is solely responsible for determining eligibility and issuing immigration decisions. Portage College does not make immigration decisions, act as a representative in individual immigration matters, participate in legal proceedings on behalf of students, or guarantee that a program, document, or letter will result in any particular immigration outcome.
The College is seeking information and clarification from relevant government and sector contacts regarding the application of PGWP requirements to graduates of the affected programs. Any confirmed information that may be relevant to students will be posted on this page.
Immigration Information and Independent Advice
Portage College may provide factual information about College programs, enrolment records, completion documents, and institutional processes. The College cannot assess an individual’s immigration status or eligibility, recommend a legal strategy, prepare a reconsideration request, or provide immigration or legal advice.
Students seeking advice should consult either an authorized immigration lawyer or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.
For information purposes only, students may contact Warwick Immigration Canada, an independent immigration consulting firm, regarding immigration advice:
• Email: cbaier@warwickimmigrationcanada.ca
• Direct line: 587-405-4012
• WhatsApp: 780-399-7489
Portage College has no affiliation with Warwick Immigration Canada. The contact information above is provided solely as a convenience and does not constitute a referral, endorsement, representation, or guarantee by the College concerning Warwick Immigration Canada, its services, or any immigration outcome. Students remain free to retain any immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant of their choice and should independently confirm the professional’s authorization and standing before retaining services. Portage College does not direct or supervise any external immigration professional and is not responsible for advice provided or for the outcome of any immigration matter.
Documents to Retain
Students should keep copies of all relevant documents, including:
• Study permits
• Letters of acceptance
• Enrolment records
• Program completion documents
• Transcripts
• PGWP applications
• IRCC refusal letters and officer notes, if available
• Correspondence with IRCC or an authorized immigration representative
These records may be relevant to any future application, request for reconsideration, or other process undertaken on the advice of an authorized immigration professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my PGWP application refused?
IRCC assesses each application individually. Students should review the reasons stated in the refusal letter and any available officer notes. Questions about the legal effect of a refusal or available options should be directed to an authorized immigration professional.
Is Portage College aware of these refusals?
Yes. Portage College is aware that some graduates have received PGWP refusals and encourage affected students to seek legal advice.
Can Portage College overturn or change an IRCC decision?
No. IRCC has sole authority over immigration decisions. Portage College cannot approve, reverse, vary, or require reconsideration of an IRCC decision.
Does a Portage College letter confirm PGWP eligibility?
No. A College letter provides factual institutional information only. It does not establish eligibility and does not guarantee approval of a PGWP or any other immigration application.
Should I submit a reconsideration request or take another step?
Students should obtain independent advice promptly because legal and immigration processes may be subject to time limits.
Is Portage College acting as a legal representative or participating in a student’s immigration proceeding?
No. Portage College does not act as an immigration representative, commence or participate in legal proceedings on behalf of individual students, or provide legal submissions about an individual case. Any student who wishes to pursue a legal or immigration process must do so independently or through an authorized representative.
Where can I find official PGWP information?
Students should consult the current Government of Canada and IRCC materials regarding PGWP eligibility and requirements. Because immigration rules and guidance may change, students should rely on the current official information and obtain independent advice about their individual circumstances.
Where can I find mental health support?
211 Alberta: https://ab.211.ca/
College Contact Information
Questions limited to Portage College records, program information, or institutional processes may be directed to:
International Student Services
international@portagecollege.ca
Important Note
Due to the volume of inquiries, response times may be longer than usual. College staff cannot provide advice about individual immigration strategies or outcomes. Inquiries involving a specific immigration decision, legal question, deadline, or immigration status should be directed to an authorized immigration professional.
Previous Updates
July 15, 2025:
Edits made to this webpage include:
The college letter information was deleted, and additional information was added to explain the reasons for its removal.
Deleted redundant FAQ information contained on the webpage.
July 14, 2026:
Webpage published July 14, 2026, 4:00 P.M. MT.