Hi friends,
Quick info about me:
SP exp in March 2020
Completed BA in Sep => so technically SP will be expired in November 2019.
Applied for PGWP (online from Canada) on Oct 1st => expected to hear the judgment in late December or Jan 2020.
My story:
Having completed my Bachelor program from SFU (British Columbia), I recently applied for my PGWP in October. However, instead of being excited and happy for a new chapter in life, I have been anxious and worried about my application. I am afraid I might get declined and would have to go back to my motherland where I have neither social connections nor professional networks to move forward.
The concern I have stems from my past enrolment status and my work experience during my last semester of study. My last semester was a summer term where I finished my last course to complete my degree, which put me under a part-time enrollment status. Since it was a part-time studying and during the summer, my knowledge was that I could work off-campus up to 40 hr per week. And so I worked part-time off-campus during the semester until the day when I checked in with my advisor. Out of the blue, I was informed that my work during my last (summer) semester was unauthorized. Why?? Because I had two part-time enrollments in the past (which I did have legit reasons for).
I was in a total shock because I misunderstood how each DLI classifies their regular studying periods. I was under the impression that if I maintained 2/3 semesters with full-time studying status, I could remain eligible to work off-campus during part-time semesters or summer semesters (only works for UBC or UoT iirc). Unfortunately, it was not the case for me. My part-time enrollments were during a fall and spring semesters, which SFU classifies as regular studying periods. Those part-time enrollments remove my 'full-time studying' eligibility for me to be able to work during my last (summer) semester, according to my student advisor. As soon as I realized the issue, I immediately informed my manager to take me off the work schedule and did not work since then.
When I submitted my PGWP application, I added a letter of explanation in which I detailed my reasons for having enrolled part-time in those occasions. In fact, my letter of explanation is my formal apology for my mistakes. I supported my case with official documents from my school and other related documents (flight tickets) as detailed as I could. I seriously hope the CIC will understand my circumstances when reviewing my application. In the meantime, I want to hear your opinions (mostly to deal with the constant anxiety I have been dealing with).
My few questions and concerns:
1. How likely would my PGWP be affected from my work experience? Do you think with full and legit supporting documents, my PGWP will get approved?
2. I have heard about the flag-poling process with some successes from peeps holding PR. Should I also consider doing flag-poling, regardless of the result of my PGWP?
3. What should I do in the worst-case scenario? Apply for another program to restore my student status? If I do so, can I still be eligible for a 3-year PGWP once I complete the new program?
4. When CIC mentions 'stop working immediately', does that mean a person must quit his/her job at the time completely during the implied status? What would happen if the person is still on the payroll of the company but has no work schedule?
5. Should I consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer?
6. Is there anything you would do differently if you were in my shoes?
Quick info about me:
SP exp in March 2020
Completed BA in Sep => so technically SP will be expired in November 2019.
Applied for PGWP (online from Canada) on Oct 1st => expected to hear the judgment in late December or Jan 2020.
My story:
Having completed my Bachelor program from SFU (British Columbia), I recently applied for my PGWP in October. However, instead of being excited and happy for a new chapter in life, I have been anxious and worried about my application. I am afraid I might get declined and would have to go back to my motherland where I have neither social connections nor professional networks to move forward.
The concern I have stems from my past enrolment status and my work experience during my last semester of study. My last semester was a summer term where I finished my last course to complete my degree, which put me under a part-time enrollment status. Since it was a part-time studying and during the summer, my knowledge was that I could work off-campus up to 40 hr per week. And so I worked part-time off-campus during the semester until the day when I checked in with my advisor. Out of the blue, I was informed that my work during my last (summer) semester was unauthorized. Why?? Because I had two part-time enrollments in the past (which I did have legit reasons for).
I was in a total shock because I misunderstood how each DLI classifies their regular studying periods. I was under the impression that if I maintained 2/3 semesters with full-time studying status, I could remain eligible to work off-campus during part-time semesters or summer semesters (only works for UBC or UoT iirc). Unfortunately, it was not the case for me. My part-time enrollments were during a fall and spring semesters, which SFU classifies as regular studying periods. Those part-time enrollments remove my 'full-time studying' eligibility for me to be able to work during my last (summer) semester, according to my student advisor. As soon as I realized the issue, I immediately informed my manager to take me off the work schedule and did not work since then.
When I submitted my PGWP application, I added a letter of explanation in which I detailed my reasons for having enrolled part-time in those occasions. In fact, my letter of explanation is my formal apology for my mistakes. I supported my case with official documents from my school and other related documents (flight tickets) as detailed as I could. I seriously hope the CIC will understand my circumstances when reviewing my application. In the meantime, I want to hear your opinions (mostly to deal with the constant anxiety I have been dealing with).
My few questions and concerns:
1. How likely would my PGWP be affected from my work experience? Do you think with full and legit supporting documents, my PGWP will get approved?
2. I have heard about the flag-poling process with some successes from peeps holding PR. Should I also consider doing flag-poling, regardless of the result of my PGWP?
3. What should I do in the worst-case scenario? Apply for another program to restore my student status? If I do so, can I still be eligible for a 3-year PGWP once I complete the new program?
4. When CIC mentions 'stop working immediately', does that mean a person must quit his/her job at the time completely during the implied status? What would happen if the person is still on the payroll of the company but has no work schedule?
5. Should I consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer?
6. Is there anything you would do differently if you were in my shoes?
. But it is tough to deal with the anxiety.