2 part-time semesters will effect PGWP?

[PatrickZ]

I'm an international student enrolled in a 2-year master full-time program. I've already completed 5 semesters, this summer is the 6th semester and I'm planning to graduate at this fall which is my 7th semester. However, my 4th and 6th term are registered with both only 1 course but even if I got the permissions they are still considered as part-time by now. My last semester will be full-time. So although I have 2 part-time semesters but they are not consecutive and not all the last two semesters. In this case will my future application for PGWP get refused?

All answers/replies appreciated. Thanks so much.

 

[scylla]

Yes - with two part time semesters you are at risk for your PGWP to be refused. You should do whatever it takes to avoid having a second part time semester. If necessary, take additional courses you don't need to ensure you have a full course load.

 

[PatrickZ]

Thanks scylla, but the enrollment deadline has passed for this summer, besides I saw lots of people got their pgwp rejected because they have two consecutive part-time semesters especially for the last two semesters. So do I have the same risk as them?

 

[PatrickZ]

Is it fine that I just apply with credential completion letter rather than transcript which seems safer for me.

 

[scylla]

Thanks scylla, but the enrollment deadline has passed for this summer, besides I saw lots of people got their pgwp rejected because they have two consecutive part-time semesters especially for the last two semesters. So do I have the same risk as them?

Yes - you have the same risk. Typically it seems CIC is fine with one part time semester - but not with two.

 

[scylla]

Is it fine that I just apply with credential completion letter rather than transcript which seems safer for me.

I don't know. You should post your question in the international students section of the forum.

 

[ethanriar]

I was in the same boat 4 years ago. I ended up going for 4 part time semesters. I was even able to renew my study visa for my part time semesters before getting my work permit without any hustle and now I am permanent resident as well.

So, I would recommend you not to lay stress on these things. As long as you are not losing your status you are absolutely fine.

 

[BA2LAMAZ]

In my 4 year undergrad program, I took 2 part-time semesters and I still got a 3 year PWGP.

 

[PatrickZ]

I was in the same boat 4 years ago. I ended up going for 4 part time semesters. I was even able to renew my study visa for my part time semesters before getting my work permit without any hustle and now I am permanent resident as well.

So, I would recommend you not to lay stress on these things. As long as you are not losing your status you are absolutely fine.

I wish things didn't change in the past 4 years. Thanks very much anyway cuz u made me feel much better.

 

[PatrickZ]

In my 4 year undergrad program, I took 2 part-time semesters and I still got a 3 year PWGP.

Cool, I think people went into trouble if they take more than one part time semesters consecutively. Which is more suspicious than our cases in my opinion. Maybe I should not worry that much.

 

[scylla]

I was in the same boat 4 years ago. I ended up going for 4 part time semesters. I was even able to renew my study visa for my part time semesters before getting my work permit without any hustle and now I am permanent resident as well.

So, I would recommend you not to lay stress on these things. As long as you are not losing your status you are absolutely fine.

CIC was less strict four years ago and stories from then unfortunately don't apply now. Over the last two years they have started taking a far harder line with students who do not remain full time (also attending DLIs, distance courses mixed with in-person courses, etc). If you were applying for a PGWP now - you'd most likely be looking at a refusal.

 

[sherry96]

Hey

I'm an international student enrolled in a 2-year master full-time program. I've already completed 5 semesters, this summer is the 6th semester and I'm planning to graduate at this fall which is my 7th semester. However, my 4th and 6th term are registered with both only 1 course but even if I got the permissions they are still considered as part-time by now. My last semester will be full-time. So although I have 2 part-time semesters but they are not consecutive and not all the last two semesters. In this case will my future application for PGWP get refused?

All answers/replies appreciated. Thanks so much.

Hey
Just want to know what happened witb your case
I am in a similar situation

 

[PatrickZ]

Hey

Hey
Just want to know what happened witb your case
I am in a similar situation

I did a flagpole at the border and got my PGWP. The whole process was pretty smooth.

 

[sherry96]

I did a flagpole at the border and got my PGWP. The whole process was pretty smooth.

Do you mind explaining the whole process? Like what exactly you did and what documents you used?

 

[PatrickZ]

Do you mind explaining the whole process? Like what exactly you did and what documents you used?

I went to the border with my degree completion letter and my offer to the university. I showed the officer my documents and he insisted on seeing my transcript. When I told him my final transcripts are not available yet ( which is true ), he said even the online ones from my student system is fine. So I logged into my student account using my phone and showed him my transcripts, he asked me if it was allowed to have those course loads for each semester and I said yes ( which is also legit ). He specifically asked me the 2 semesters I went part time. I told him there were all under the permission of my department and I have valid reasons. He then gave me 3 year PGWP.