I had a leave of abscence this spring semester and left the country due to the 150 day rule. My study permit expires this July and I couldnt extend it

[Wachira]

Hello
I have been dealing with severe depression and was unable to attend the January semester and took a leave of absence. I was unable to apply for a study permit extension as the college had not prepared the return to full time studies form until June which was after the 150 day limit, so I did not have the document to extend my permit while in Canada. I also didn’t apply to remain as a visitor. My study permit expires this July and I wanted to extend it as I finish in spring 2025. I have since travelled back but I think I made a big mistake.
Given that the study permits have been reduced this year would I be able to apply for a new permit and attend the winter semester this year ? And how will this affect my pgwp? Should I have applied to remain as a visitor and extended my study permit ? I left because of the 150 days as I didn’t want to be out of status but now I feel I don’t have enough months to get a new study permit and resume full time studies in September
Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated thanks

 

[Naturgrl]

Hello
I have been dealing with severe depression and was unable to attend the January semester and took a leave of absence. I was unable to apply for a study permit extension as the college had not prepared the return to full time studies form until June which was after the 150 day limit, so I did not have the document to extend my permit while in Canada. I also didn’t apply to remain as a visitor. My study permit expires this July and I wanted to extend it as I finish in spring 2025. I have since travelled back but I think I made a big mistake.
Given that the study permits have been reduced this year would I be able to apply for a new permit and attend the winter semester this year ? And how will this affect my pgwp? Should I have applied to remain as a visitor and extended my study permit ? I left because of the 150 days as I didn’t want to be out of status but now I feel I don’t have enough months to get a new study permit and resume full time studies in September
Any advice or insight would be greatly appreciated thanks

You need a new study permit and PAL, if required. You would not be eligible for PGWP with current program so if you apply, you may want to start a new program. Given that you would need PAL and apply for a new permit, look at January admission. You need to show funds for living expenses ($21K) and first year tuition.

 

[Wachira]

I

You need a new study permit and PAL, if required. You would not be eligible for PGWP with current program so if you apply, you may want to start a new program. Given that you would need PAL and apply for a new permit, look at January admission. You need to show funds for living expenses ($21K) and first year tuition.

Is there no way this can be explained in pgwp application ? Or is it because it would be a fresh study permit with no record of previous studies
Thanks for the response

 

[scylla]

I

Is there no way this can be explained in pgwp application ? Or is it because it would be a fresh study permit with no record of previous studies
Thanks for the response

They will certainly have a record of your previous studies. The issue is that your studies must be continuous to qualify for a PGWP. You can try explaining the circumstances however there's no guarantee IRCC will accept your explanation and approve the PGWP. So that's the big risk you run if you don't start a brand new program.

 

[Naturgrl]

I

Is there no way this can be explained in pgwp application ? Or is it because it would be a fresh study permit with no record of previous studies
Thanks for the response

To get PGWP, you need to have been a full time student without breaks. If you have been off more than 6 months, and need a new study permit, you would not be eligible. You can try and explain but expect refusal.

 

[canuck78]

I

Is there no way this can be explained in pgwp application ? Or is it because it would be a fresh study permit with no record of previous studies
Thanks for the response

Did you have an approved medical leave from your college with medical documentation from your physician? Does your program have a spring/summer semester or is a semester off for your programs?

 

[Wachira]

Did you have an approved medical leave from your college with medical documentation from your physician? Does your program have a spring/summer semester or is a semester off for your programs?

yes I have a medical leave approved by my college and physician. My program has a spring semester which is when I had my leave of absence and is of on summer as there is no summer semester

 

[Wachira]

To get PGWP, you need to have been a full time student without breaks. If you have been off more than 6 months, and need a new study permit, you would not be eligible. You can try and explain but expect refusal.

I see. for future reference should I have never taken a leave of absence? I believe I wasn't given the best information by the college that led me to make an uninformed decision. I was in Canada for 3 years and now it was all a waste if i cant get a pgwp

 

[Wachira]

They will certainly have a record of your previous studies. The issue is that your studies must be continuous to qualify for a PGWP. You can try explaining the circumstances however there's no guarantee IRCC will accept your explanation and approve the PGWP. So that's the big risk you run if you don't start a brand new program.

They will certainly have a record of your previous studies. The issue is that your studies must be continuous to qualify for a PGWP. You can try explaining the circumstances however there's no guarantee IRCC will accept your explanation and approve the PGWP. So that's the big risk you run if you don't start a brand new program.

So because I have one more year on my program should I abandon this program and apply for a new one? would this better my chances at getting a pgwp? can I also do the same program from the start? It was a 2- 4 year course but I would do 2 years could this work if I maintained my full time condition? or would it have to be a new course entirely

 

[Naturgrl]

yes I have a medical leave approved by my college and physician. My program has a spring semester which is when I had my leave of absence and is of on summer as there is no summer semester

If you have medical leave then you may be okay. You said you were off in January (winter) so your school has a spring semester too? Do you have a TRV to re-enter Canada before your study permit expires? Have you contacted school to ask that you can enroll in classes and that your study permit was not cancelled?

For a PGWP, the issue is the time you have been away.

What counts as an authorized leave from your studies?
There are a few cases where you may be able to take a leave of up to a maximum of 150 days from your program of studies and still be considered to be actively pursuing your studies.

You don’t need to tell us if you’re taking an authorized leave. However, if we ask for it, you must provide proof that your leave is

• authorized by your DLI and
• no longer than 150 days

You will not know decision until you complete your program and apply for PGWP.