Studying temporarily in Canada without a study permit, but waiting on one?

[danielsloth]

Hi guys,

I'm supposed to start school on Sept. 6th, but I just submitted my study permit application via vfs (due to many complications). Based on the estimated processing time in my country, it takes approximately 5 weeks. Therefore, things are going to be really urgent.

I was wondering if there is any chance that I can go to Canada to study at my university for the first week or two as a visitor while waiting on their verdict on my application. Then if it's approved, I just get out of the country and go back in as an official student. I really don't want to be on the back foot for my first few weeks of year 1 university, so I'm considering this option. Do any of you know if it is possible/legal? Could I appeal to the immigration officer by explaining my situation?

P.S. How come it is so hard to find contact information regarding the CIC? They have no contact email, I can't call their phone number from outside Canada etc. If anyone knows how to contact them, could they tell me too please?

Any response would be great. Thank you so much

Daniel

 

[Bs65]

In my view and others can comment you could not do that given the university would be expecting you to be attending your course with a study permit in place, hence having legal status. What will you plan to say to CBSA on entering that you are going to start your 2 or 3 year course without a study permit just in case it gets approved. Also will you be expecting the university to refund your fees once you have started the course even if you did go with this plan ? As for appealing to any immigration officer if that were possible the likely response might be should have applied earlier.

 

[scylla]

Hi guys,

I'm supposed to start school on Sept. 6th, but I just submitted my study permit application via vfs (due to many complications). Based on the estimated processing time in my country, it takes approximately 5 weeks. Therefore, things are going to be really urgent.

I was wondering if there is any chance that I can go to Canada to study at my university for the first week or two as a visitor while waiting on their verdict on my application. Then if it's approved, I just get out of the country and go back in as an official student. I really don't want to be on the back foot for my first few weeks of year 1 university, so I'm considering this option. Do any of you know if it is possible/legal? Could I appeal to the immigration officer by explaining my situation?

P.S. How come it is so hard to find contact information regarding the CIC? They have no contact email, I can't call their phone number from outside Canada etc. If anyone knows how to contact them, could they tell me too please?

Any response would be great. Thank you so much

Daniel

If you do this, you'll be studying illegally and you will be in violation of your stay as a visitor in Canada (which will make you removable from Canada). The rules are very clear. You MUST have an approved study permit before you can begin your studies. Understand that if your study permit is that that late, CIC will most likely tell you that you have to defer your studies to the next semester and you won't be able to start your studies in September anyway.

 

[enywmara]

Hi guys,

I'm supposed to start school on Sept. 6th, but I just submitted my study permit application via vfs (due to many complications). Based on the estimated processing time in my country, it takes approximately 5 weeks. Therefore, things are going to be really urgent.

I was wondering if there is any chance that I can go to Canada to study at my university for the first week or two as a visitor while waiting on their verdict on my application. Then if it's approved, I just get out of the country and go back in as an official student. I really don't want to be on the back foot for my first few weeks of year 1 university, so I'm considering this option. Do any of you know if it is possible/legal? Could I appeal to the immigration officer by explaining my situation?

P.S. How come it is so hard to find contact information regarding the CIC? They have no contact email, I can't call their phone number from outside Canada etc. If anyone knows how to contact them, could they tell me too please?

Any response would be great. Thank you so much

Daniel

Ok so let me start by answering you last question first. You can contact either the IRCC offices through their direct email You can find out which office deals with you application and click on their link to find their email on the link below

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp


Or you can use the IRCC webform which is their recommended way of contacting on the link below:-

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp


On your other query, I understand your frustration, I am going through the same too. If you can't get a visa on time, you might not be able to go and study at all. As scylla rightly mentioned here, you CANNOT study on a visitor visa unless your course is less than 6 months in total and does not end with a degree. So Basically you are in a pickle right now. Sorry to say, but you have to wait my friend.

 

[pepo2016]

I am on the same boat!
I applied june 3rd and hasnt heard anything as of yet.
My uni starts at sep 1. I contacted my department and they allow me to come the latest is sep 16.
I cant use visitor visa for studies since the uni has policy and it would be illegal.
I try to contact them via email and also ask a help from friend and going to call them from canada.

The worst thing, now im not living in my home country.
I work as a fulltime emplyee in my country residence,
a lot of things i need to handle before i leave.

 

[pepo2016]

I also plan to go to canada with my bf and share our living cost etc.
He got his visa and already paid his tuition.
It is getting real worst now.
Im still negotiation with his school if i cant get my visa, they would refund us.
Life is like a rollercoaster sometimes it goes up and goes dowb but everytying could be scarried or fun!