Applied 6 months ago for a study permit. What options do I have? Should I apply again?

[greensweetpea]

Hello everyone,

I have been in Canada on a temporary work permit since March 2020 (IEC). In September I started a master's degree and applied for a study permit as soon as I had the letter of admission in early September. The situation was confusing, to say the least as all programs moved online at almost all schools in Canada and it was very hard to understand what needed to be done. I got support both from my school's international office and an immigration lawyer, who supports students at my university.
Though my program was going to be online for the foreseeable future, this was not mentioned specifically in the letter of admission, nor does it say so on the faculty's website. It is not clear if we will go back to in-person classes and when.

I applied for my study permit more than 6 months ago and I still have not heard back. I have been supported by a caseworker at my MP office over the past 2 months who has been reaching out to CIC repeatedly to receive information on my application. Every single time, it has been the same: Everything looks good on it, the only verification that needs to be worked on and set as passed is your eligibility verification.

With my current work permit set to expire in 5 days, I will be unable to work which leaves me in a really uncomfortable situation. I have prepared for this and I do have savings, but I am getting increasingly frustrated over not receiving my study permit. That is especially because I read about people applying and receiving it in just a few short weeks. It seems completely random to me?

I sent an ATIP request yesterday to receive all the notes on my application.

The caseworker has suggested I could write a letter and have my employer write a letter explaining why I am important for the operation and why the course is integral to it. While that is not a bad idea, I don't feel entirely comfortable doing this as it would make me feel obligated to stay with the employer for the duration of the program - this was not my plan. I get along really well with my boss and I do not want to burn any bridges over this.

Because processing times seem so random, I have been thinking about handing in a new application. The caseworker advised against it, but I am wondering if anyone has done this before? Would I have to cancel my current application? Or could I technically have both running at the same time? Deep down I am just hoping for a different officer.

Any other thoughts or advice are really appreciated.

 

[Humpholito24]

You can't apply twice; you will have to withdraw from the first one then apply for a new one. I have seen where people withdrew their application, applied another then received their permit.

 

[greensweetpea]

You can't apply twice; you will have to withdraw from the first one then apply for a new one. I have seen where people withdrew their application, applied another then received their permit.

That is what I am wondering - does it make more sense to do that. However, considering my current work permit will run out shortly, I would have to apply again while still on this permit. Because the CIC seems to operate so randomly, I wonder if I have better chances when I re-apply. Mind you though, I have been in the program for 6 months. The caseworker is advising against it because she says I will have to wait several months for sure when I do that. But it does not look like they are doing anything with my current application either.

 

[Humpholito24]

That is what I am wondering - does it make more sense to do that. However, considering my current work permit will run out shortly, I would have to apply again while still on this permit. Because the CIC seems to operate so randomly, I wonder if I have better chances when I re-apply. Mind you though, I have been in the program for 6 months. The caseworker is advising against it because she says I will have to wait several months for sure when I do that. But it does not look like they are doing anything with my current application either.

Is there a way you can renew your work permit as you wait for the study permit decision? I feel your frustration.

 

[greensweetpea]

Is there a way you can renew your work permit as you wait for the study permit decision? I feel your frustration.

Unfortunately, no. I am on the Young Professional Visa (International Experience Canada). It is a 12-month visa that cannot be extended.

It is very frustrating and it puts both me and my employer in such difficult spots. I just do not understand why the CIC would issue 27.000 invitations to apply for express entry, but then leaves thousands of people in limbo who are already in the country willing to work and/or willing to pay international tuition to study here.

 

[Humpholito24]

Unfortunately, no. I am on the Young Professional Visa (International Experience Canada). It is a 12-month visa that cannot be extended.

It is very frustrating and it puts both me and my employer in such difficult spots. I just do not understand why the CIC would issue 27.000 invitations to apply for express entry, but then leaves thousands of people in limbo who are already in the country willing to work and/or willing to pay international tuition to study here.

Oh dang! Now I see that if you withdraw, you can risk being here illegally. See if you can switch to implied status as you await for decision. Also, send them the webform.

 

[greensweetpea]

Oh dang! Now I see that if you withdraw, you can risk being here illegally. See if you can switch to implied status as you await for decision. Also, send them the webform.

I will automatically be in implied status, which has been confirmed to me by an immigration lawyer, my university, and the caseworker that has supported me. I sent a webform at the beginning of the year, but you are right - I might send one.

 

[Humpholito24]

I will automatically be in implied status, which has been confirmed to me by an immigration lawyer, my university, and the caseworker that has supported me. I sent a webform at the beginning of the year, but you are right - I might send one.

I am sorry about what you are going through. Yes, send them a webform or even call them if you can.

 

[greensweetpea]

I am sorry about what you are going through. Yes, send them a webform or even call them if you can.

Since I will have a lot of time on my hands, I will try the hotline and call them

 

[canuck78]

Did you not get AIP before starting your masters? I worry for all the students risking their tuition money and starting programs without a confirmed study permit. Where are you studying?

 

[greensweetpea]

Did you not get AIP before starting your masters? I worry for all the students risking their tuition money and starting programs without a confirmed study permit. Where are you studying?

When I had been accepted into the program, it was already relatively certain that the entire program will be online. It is a 12 months master's program. This means, I am technically not required to get a study permit, but was still advised to apply for one considering I was residing in Canada and planning to continue to do so. We are now at a point where we will not be required to have any in-person classes, but if possible some will be offered on location in the summer. However, all students will be able to complete it online completely, which does not require a study permit. Several students started the program from abroad and because there is a lot of uncertainty, the faculty wanted to ensure that everyone would be able to complete the program without any issues. I would not have started a program without the knowledge that I will be able to complete it if necessary from my home country without a study permit.

I just happened to be already in Canada, if that makes sense. My letter of admission does not specify anywhere how the program will be delivered.