Yes, I did start my program without a study permit in January and at the end of the first semester got a refusal, so they provided an option to take a leave of absence and in parallel applied for a study permit again to which I am awaiting a response. In this way, I don't have to study the first semester again. Hence, I deferred it to September.
I have heard that it lessens your chances to get PGWP if you took a leave of absence. Please help
Thanks!