PGWP Complex Sitch

[Gabrielle B]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my situation and see if anyone has gone through something similar.

I completed my studies in April 2025 and travelled to South Africa in May 2025 for about a month to visit family. While I was there, I applied for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). At the time, I selected that I was applying from outside Canada (South Africa), since I was physically there, and listed Canada as my previous country of residence.

I returned to Canada in June 2025 before my graduation and have been living here continuously since then.

It’s now been almost 11 months since I applied, and my application is still in process. I recently contacted my MP, and they were told that my criminality check has passed but my eligibility is still under review.

I’ve also sent a webform and submitted a letter of explanation to clarify that my stay in South Africa was temporary and that my primary residence has been in Canada.

I’ve now been informed that I may not be authorized to work while waiting, which has made the situation more stressful.

I’m wondering if anyone else has:

• Applied while temporarily outside Canada but lives in Canada
• Had long delays like this for a PGWP
• Still been approved after a situation like this

Any insight or similar experiences would really help. Thank you so much in advance.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my situation and see if anyone has gone through something similar.

I completed my studies in April 2025 and travelled to South Africa in May 2025 for about a month to visit family. While I was there, I applied for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). At the time, I selected that I was applying from outside Canada (South Africa), since I was physically there, and listed Canada as my previous country of residence.

I returned to Canada in June 2025 before my graduation and have been living here continuously since then.

It’s now been almost 11 months since I applied, and my application is still in process. I recently contacted my MP, and they were told that my criminality check has passed but my eligibility is still under review.

I’ve also sent a webform and submitted a letter of explanation to clarify that my stay in South Africa was temporary and that my primary residence has been in Canada.

I’ve now been informed that I may not be authorized to work while waiting, which has made the situation more stressful.

I’m wondering if anyone else has:

• Applied while temporarily outside Canada but lives in Canada
• Had long delays like this for a PGWP
• Still been approved after a situation like this

Any insight or similar experiences would really help. Thank you so much in advance.

You need a lawyer. Not sure what the title means but you applied outland and then entered as a visitor. You were not allowed to work. Also now out of status as a visitor because you didn't maintain status as you would have had to do within 6 months of arriving back in Canada.

 

[Naturgrl]

Hi, thanks for getting back to me - My study permit expired in November of 2025 - does that change my case a little?

No. Your study permit expires 90 days after program completion. You entered as a visitor. Nothing you can do now as I don't even think you can restore status anymore.