Hi guys, I will meet the requirements in Fall 2022 and graduate in 2 academic calendars. Last summer, I didn't register at term and forgot to take permission from Carleton University . My University informed me that they cannot give leave of absence for previous semesters. ISSO said that when I applied for pgwp, I might have difficulties, that I might have to explain the situation and convince the officer. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? I will be very happy if you share your ideas. Thanks.
I share my case because I think it is relevant to yours.
I got my Master's degree (Thesis-based) on mid-January 2022 and recently obtained my PGWP through flagpoling.
During my Master's study, I spent around 3 years due to several difficulties including COVID.
Note that I registered all Winter and Fall terms
before Fall 2021.
Here were three
Spring-Summer terms (May-August):
2019 (1st): The leave of absence was
not approved (They said I didn't need it).
2020 (2nd): The leave of absence was approved (I think it is due to COVID).
2021 (3rd): I registered because of the thesis defence.
** Explanation regarding registrations **
By the policy, I had to register the previous term right before the thesis defence.
Therefore, I registered the Spring-Summer term (May-Aug 2021) due to the thesis defence. (With the only course: Master's thesis)
My thesis defence was done in December 2021 and I got the refund for the Fall 2021 term. (Not registered in Fall 2021 term as a result.)
Due to the long weekends around Christmas, I finally fulfilled all the requirements for the degree in January 2022.
When I check my official transcript, there are only six terms:
2019 & 2020: Winter/Fall
2021: Winter/Spring-Summer
And 'Degree requirements fulfilled' with the issuance date (Mid-January, 2022).
As you see my previous replies, I successfully received my PGWP via flagpoling without any issues.
I was not asked when I submitted PGWP application documents in the Canada border office.
I think if you had done your coursework and thesis continuously, it would not be an issue.
But if you have
other reasons, it would be better to write a letter for explanation and attach it when you submit the application.
If you have any questions, please leave comments here.