URGENT HELP. US CITIZEN APPLIED FOR PGWP

[olivaresa87]

Hello everyone. As many in this forum I’m in desperate need of advice. I’m an international student, US citizenship, and recently finished my M eD at SFU. I received my senate letter on May 23, 2018 and my convocation was on June 15, 2018. I applied for my PGWP on July 4, 2018. I found out yesterday that I was not allowed to work after receiving written verification that my degree was awarded (Senate Letter) until after I apply for my PGWP. I did in fact work between May 23- July 4. In total I worked about 10, 6.5 hour shifts. I’m a behavior interventionist and work with children on the spectrum, however, I’m a substitute so I only come in as needed (call outs/ vacation requests from full time employees). Additionally after applying for the PGWP on July 4th, 2018 I continued working, again on and off as needed. I understand that it was absolutely my fault for not verifying this information about working. I completely misinterpreted what I read online and thought that as long as I apply for my PGWP within 90 days of written confirmation that I could still work, sincemy study permit allowed me to work off campus. I feel terrible and I’ve been unable to think about anything else since last night. It gets more complicated though....


Next week I have a trip booked to the states for a family event. I will be there for a week and I was hoping that upon my return that I could apply for the PGWP at the airport being that I’m from a TRV exempt country. Being able to possibly get my PGWP on the spot rather than waiting several months online obviously sounds way more appealing, however, now knowing that I worked when I wasn’t allowed to I’m worried. Should I cancel my trip? Or will I be ok to come back to Canada? Should I avoid applying at the border and wait on my online application? If I do this, should I upload a letter of explanation? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. If you or anyone you know has been in the same situation as mine, how did this result for them?

 

[olivaresa87]

there is nothing u can do about the work u did. Have u stopped working if yes its the first good step. Most likely they will not ask u if u worked after graduation at the border. If they find out (ur bad luck) there is nothing u can do. So my opinion relax if asked just be truthful so u made a mistake and its not a huge mistake. I would say dont volunteer information in panic just answer whatever is asked and be truthful. again this is just my opinion

Thank you for your input, I appreciate it. I spoke with an international student advisor and she recommends that I don't apply at the border when returning from my trip and just wait on my current online application. So now its really up to me to decide what to do... No clue. Additionally she also told me to stop working which I have.

 

[bongoman]

Once you apply for PGWP you can work while it is being processed so I dont see why you stopped now.

 

[olivaresa87]

Once you apply for PGWP you can work while it is being processed so I dont see why you stopped now.

Yes, this was my same question. The ISS advisor asked her supervisor and apparently she suggested the same thing- that I stop working until I get approval. I think that by discontinuing work altogether that the officer will see then that I realized I wasn’t allowed to work during that period prior to applying so I stopped altogether. I’m torn. I don’t know if I should risk it and apply at the border when I return to Canada from the States or if I should wait on my online application. Apparently I have 51 days until a decision is made. By then my 90 days will be up.

 

[olivaresa87]

In the event that someone who is in a similar situation as me I thought I would update and share my experience. I decided to take my chances and apply at the Peace Arch border. I got approved for a PGWP, for 3 years! I presented the officer with my passport, study permit, official transcripts (sealed), and letter of completion/ senate letter (sealed)! I will be withdrawing my online application with CIC tomorrow. Thank you for the input! Good luck to all, have faith. You will get it!