Unauthorized Break in Previous Study Permit

[Wight]

Hey folks,

I'm going to graduate in a year from SFU and planning on applying for a PGWP so I want to cover all of my bases.

In 2018 between August and December I had to take an unauthorized break due to mental health reasons and failed to inform FIC. This break was sub 150 days, I left Canada immediately and my Study Permit expired around November or so. I applied for a new Study Permit, applied and got into SFU, for which I've been studying full time with no gaps, and I'm (obviously) not planning on going part time or take another gap.

I understand that this very well might prove to be an issue, but I was wondering if it's serious enough for me to make my application through an Immigration Agency so that I have the best chances of navigating this. The reason that I'm asking is that since the gap occurred on a previous DLI that I won't be including in my application and on a previous Study Permit that expired, I'm wondering if that could absolve some of the issues.

 

[scylla]

Hey folks,

I'm going to graduate in a year from SFU and planning on applying for a PGWP so I want to cover all of my bases.

In 2018 between August and December I had to take an unauthorized break due to mental health reasons and failed to inform FIC. This break was sub 150 days, I left Canada immediately and my Study Permit expired around November or so. I applied for a new Study Permit, applied and got into SFU, for which I've been studying full time with no gaps, and I'm (obviously) not planning on going part time or take another gap.

I understand that this very well might prove to be an issue, but I was wondering if it's serious enough for me to make my application through an Immigration Agency so that I have the best chances of navigating this. The reason that I'm asking is that since the gap occurred on a previous DLI that I won't be including in my application and on a previous Study Permit that expired, I'm wondering if that could absolve some of the issues.

IMO you are over-thinking this.

The gap is completely irrelevant since it didn't happen at SFU.

Based on what you've posted, you completed your SFU program without any unscheduled breaks. That's all that matters for the purposes of the PGWP.

 

[Wight]

IMO you are over-thinking this.

The gap is completely irrelevant since it didn't happen at SFU.

Based on what you've posted, you completed your SFU program without any unscheduled breaks. That's all that matters for the purposes of the PGWP.

Appreciate the input! That is what I am leaning towards too from reading IRCC's eligibility criteria, but again with the PGWP determining whether I can stay and work here, get a PR etc. I just don't want to risk it, if there is indeed a risk.