8+ Months Stuck in Security Check: Should I withdraw and re-apply?

[neospecter]

Hello Everyone,

I need some advice regarding my current situation. I was accepted into a PhD program and applied for my study permit last year on November 2nd, 2025. I originally intended to start in the Winter term (January 2026), but due to a prolonged background check, I have had to defer my admission twice. I have now deferred my admission to Fall 2026 (September 2026).

It has been over 8 months since I applied, and the application is still stuck in the background check phase. I recently received my GCMS notes, which confirmed that it is currently held up in a security check.

Seeing that most PhD students are receiving their visas within a month, I am seriously considering withdrawing my existing application and re-applying.

• Is it wise to go this route, or should I continue to wait?
• If I do decide to withdraw, what reasons should I include in my webform request?

I would greatly appreciate any guidance or insights from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

Thanks!

 

[Naturgrl]

But how will withdrawing help because a new application will get stuck in background checks again, will it not? Background checks are when the Canadian government waits on security/background information from country of citizenship and countries you have lived in. You can withdraw but then starting over again from the beginning.