PGWP UPDATE WITH ORIGINAL POST

[jigzyy]

Yes, you're right. But if majority of CBSA officers on call say you will be allowed entry then most likely, you will be allowed entry.

No. Majority is not authority here. The authority lies with the person looking at the documents at port of entry.

 

[jigzyy]

Thanks a lot for the advice! I'll print that from the portal. But I have to travel nearly 24 hours by flight : wish they can give out some clear guidelines for graduate-level research students...

You will not get a definite answer from anyone and honestly no govt. agency will list ALL reasons a student CAN or CANNOT use to travel. People will still ask questions. That is why they allowed students to present their case at the border agent nicely for them to look at and possibly to let the student enter Canada.

 

[jigzyy]

It takes 9 hours direct flight from where I am. I heard they really push hard initially before boarding but easier with Canadian officer once land. I think my reasons will be convincing, wish me luck.

Good luck!

 

[jigzyy]

Thanks a lot for the advice! I'll print that from the portal. But I have to travel nearly 24 hours by flight : wish they can give out some clear guidelines for graduate-level research students...

24 hours of flight time with a risk of 24 hours return flight OR 12 months of mental torture over entry..? I see not issue with first choice!

 

[jigzyy]

I know many interesting cases that people were allowed to enter. It simply depends on the officer her/his mood, your attitude etc.

Exactly. Remember that you have to remain humble at the port of entry with the officer. You CANNOT demand the entry. Smile and ask questions nicely, like that you are glad to be here. I know many people think it's their RIGHT to enter when they have TRV but it is NOT. Officers picks up the tone and honestly, they are going to judge your case on documents and the personality you are presenting at the border. With COVID19, you may have to be extra careful with your social distancing and obeying whatever the signage AND officer says. Be prepared to answer questions politely. Arrogance and demanding your rights will not get you anywhere.

I am sure they will be a bit easy on applicants whose visas were approved before March 18th, because the rules are vague and in the open. Just make sure to carry every document to prove your presence is necessary and you have a quarantine plan of at least 14 days (if you can afford and show additional days, that's a plus).

 

[GradStudent18]

My studies will be online and my visa was approved before March 18th. I wont have any support doc from school. But, my quarantine plan is solid, i heard thats the most important thing. I wont have much documents to show and I heard they dont really look at them. I prepared paperwork all my life for visa applications etc nobody ever looked at them. Verbally being ready and polite are two thing I will try excel during entry.

They are indeed requiring an essential reason for entry, which needs in-person components. An IRCC officer addressed international students virtually in a session conducted by the university and they clearly said that online classes are not an essential reason for entry, and online students should not travel.

Now that PGWP is also sorted, why would anyone travel if they don't have in-person components?

I'm just relaying the information I got from IRCC here. That's all.

 

[GradStudent18]

24 hours of flight time with a risk of 24 hours return flight OR 12 months of mental torture over entry..? I see not issue with first choice!

Yeah I agree, the trade off is exactly that 24 hours flight versus unending uncertainty over entry.