I'm gonna share my story here.
Applied:October 13 2019
Approved:January 15 2020
Started my undergraduate since September 2014, it was quite challenging for me at the beginning, I even failed a few courses. Then I made a mistake, in order to prevent myself from failing more courses, I reduced my course load for 2 semesters (part time). Foolish me, I didn't know that was gonna impact my pgwp. I did catch up later and stay full time till I finished my undergraduate. That's the first mistake. Another mistake, I confused the 180 days window with the 90 days window, when I applied for pgwp, I was at some point between day 91 to day 179. I could still apply for a pgwp, but I already lost my status, foolish me again. So I launched my pgwp application and status restoration application at the same time. I wrote the best explanation letter I could, I even had one of my previous professors wrote me a letter to indicate that I was working hard, it's just quite challenging for me at the beginning. I totally lost hope to be honest. Then, I got my pgwp today, I'm extremely happy. I don't want to name my school for the sake of privacy, just let you know I was under social science department.
My advice, for those who are struggling, don't do part time semesters, just don't. In my case, I'm extremely lucky, but having part time semesters is quite risky. Also, plan ahead and don't leave anything to the last minute. Yes, you have up to 180 days to apply for pgwp, but keep in mind you will lose your study permit automatically 90 days. I'm sure most of you know this. Anyway, good luck with that. My case is a special one, again, don't make my mistake.