Studied a 4-month diploma on PGWP without a new study permit — advised by college's RCIC that it was fine since it's under 6 months. Now worried I mes

[jkumar1210]

So I got my PGWP in August 2025 after finishing my program. A few months later I enrolled in a 4-month diploma at another institution. Before doing it, I actually emailed the RCIC at the college and asked directly if I needed a new study permit for this, since I was on a PGWP. They told me no, anything under 6 months doesn't require a study permit, so I went ahead and did the diploma.
Since then IRCC brought in a new policy (effective Sept 2026) that clearly lets any valid work permit holder, including PGWP holders, study a 6-month-or-less program without a separate study permit.

To make it more complicated, I've already submitted my (non-EE) PR application and included this diploma as part of it.
Trying to figure out:
1. Did I violate my PGWP conditions?
2. How bad does this look to IRCC given I already disclosed the diploma in my PR app?
3. Should I proactively explain the situation to IRCC (I still have the email from the RCIC advising me it was fine), or would that just draw attention to something they might not flag?

Anyone dealt with something similar, especially with a PR app already in?

 

[Naturgrl]

1. No
2. Not an issue
3. Not required.

 

[canuck78]

So I got my PGWP in August 2025 after finishing my program. A few months later I enrolled in a 4-month diploma at another institution. Before doing it, I actually emailed the RCIC at the college and asked directly if I needed a new study permit for this, since I was on a PGWP. They told me no, anything under 6 months doesn't require a study permit, so I went ahead and did the diploma.
Since then IRCC brought in a new policy (effective Sept 2026) that clearly lets any valid work permit holder, including PGWP holders, study a 6-month-or-less program without a separate study permit.

To make it more complicated, I've already submitted my (non-EE) PR application and included this diploma as part of it.
Trying to figure out:
1. Did I violate my PGWP conditions?
2. How bad does this look to IRCC given I already disclosed the diploma in my PR app?
3. Should I proactively explain the situation to IRCC (I still have the email from the RCIC advising me it was fine), or would that just draw attention to something they might not flag?

Anyone dealt with something similar, especially with a PR app already in?

1 you violated general terms. You could only study a less than 6 month program without a study permit if you attended right after entering Canada. You should also seek out your own professional advice.
2. Would consult an immigration lawyer.
3 I would consult an immigration lawyer about how best to deal with the situation. It is good that you have proof of the incorrect advice although that doesn’t change the fact that you needed a study permit.

 

[canuck78]

So I got my PGWP in August 2025 after finishing my program. A few months later I enrolled in a 4-month diploma at another institution. Before doing it, I actually emailed the RCIC at the college and asked directly if I needed a new study permit for this, since I was on a PGWP. They told me no, anything under 6 months doesn't require a study permit, so I went ahead and did the diploma.
Since then IRCC brought in a new policy (effective Sept 2026) that clearly lets any valid work permit holder, including PGWP holders, study a 6-month-or-less program without a separate study permit.

To make it more complicated, I've already submitted my (non-EE) PR application and included this diploma as part of it.
Trying to figure out:
1. Did I violate my PGWP conditions?
2. How bad does this look to IRCC given I already disclosed the diploma in my PR app?
3. Should I proactively explain the situation to IRCC (I still have the email from the RCIC advising me it was fine), or would that just draw attention to something they might not flag?

Anyone dealt with something similar, especially with a PR app already in?

The fact that there is a new policy would indicate that this was not possible before the announcement. Before the announcement you were able to do a degree program that was less than 6 months without a study permit but only if done right after entering Canada. Think that points seems to have been missed by many. IRCC also didn’t pursue many who had done these short programs without a new study permit and as PR became harder to obtain many more people were likely doing degree programs of less than 6 months a lot more frequently. Would consult an immigration lawyer for the best advice on your situation. Would get some personal references if possible as well as looking online. Like every profession some are good and some aren’t great. A high billing rate doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good lawyer. If anything some that charge the most provide the worst professional services.