Hello canuck_in_uk, thanks for your answer. So I am assuming there is no exception and I will have to submit this PCC. Regular FBI processing time will take too long, approx, 14 weeks, and I would only get the document after January, the start of my program as of now.
FBI Channelers' processing time takes much much less - 10 days or so. Issue is they only provide this service for US citizens and permanent residents...I am neither. I have an SSN, not sure if that makes any difference.
I'm not sure if anyone had a similar issue, but I never knew my life could go south so quickly because of all this visa paperwork... I went from having a job on wall street to resigning and most likely being jobless for 1 year, assuming McGill accepts to defer the start of my program for the second time to Fall 2018...
PLEASE, if anyone has any tip or info on a similar case or on any workaround, let me know because I see no end to this nightmare right now and would greatly appreciate anyone's help