Can you attend a remote class for your program even if your visa hasn't been approved yet?

[eagerly]

Hi there,

I have been accepted to the Technical Communication program in Seneca College for May 2020 intake. Right now, my study permit is still pending approval--I submitted it over a month ago. Because of the COVID-19 lockdown in my country (Philippines), the processing might take longer (knock on wood).

PM Trudeau also ordered an indefinite ban on foreigners. I contacted Seneca regarding this. They said they would still pursue with the original schedule (it's possible that the ban may be lifted before May). However, if the ban still stays, they are considering remote classes.

My question is this:
1. Suppose there is still no feedback on my application beyond the first day of class, could I still begin pursue the program remotely (since you don't need a study visa when you're physically not in Canada)?
2. Just in case my already lodged study permit gets denied (knock on wood), is it safe to reapply? Is there a chance approval would be guaranteed by that time?

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[scylla]

Hi there,

I have been accepted to the Technical Communication program in Seneca College for May 2020 intake. Right now, my study permit is still pending approval--I submitted it over a month ago. Because of the COVID-19 lockdown in my country (Philippines), the processing might take longer (knock on wood).

PM Trudeau also ordered an indefinite ban on foreigners. I contacted Seneca regarding this. They said they would still pursue with the original schedule (it's possible that the ban may be lifted before May). However, if the ban still stays, they are considering remote classes.

My question is this:
1. Suppose there is still no feedback on my application beyond the first day of class, could I still begin pursue the program remotely (since you don't need a study visa when you're physically not in Canada)?
2. Just in case my already lodged study permit gets denied (knock on wood), is it safe to reapply? Is there a chance approval would be guaranteed by that time?

Thank you very much in advance!

1. You need to be holding a valid study permit in order for your studies to count towards a PGWP. This means getting an approved visa and entering Canada. If you start studying early, assume it may be a problem to get a PGWP.
2. Sure - you can certainly reapply.

 

[dreamy2536]

Response to question 1: Only your college will be able to answer that. Ask about their policies. In my case, my university didn't allow that.

2. There's no safe/unsafe time. Based on the rejection reasons, if you need to collect more supporting documents, you probably would need more time to reapply

 

[eagerly]

Thank you for your response!

2. There's no safe/unsafe time. Based on the rejection reasons, if you need to collect more supporting documents, you probably would need more time to reapply

What I meant to say is, if I had already begun my remote class with the school (if they allowed me to go on without a visa), is it safe for me to reapply for a visa for the time that they will require me to be physically present there?

Hope I made myself clear. Thanks!

 

[bellaluna]

Thank you for your response!



What I meant to say is, if I had already begun my remote class with the school (if they allowed me to go on without a visa), is it safe for me to reapply for a visa for the time that they will require me to be physically present there?

Hope I made myself clear. Thanks!

As previously said, only your school can make the call if you'd be allowed to study remotely without a study permit, but I would expect them to take the conservative stance and only allow enrollment when you actually have an approved study permit.

(What I mean to say is...I don't think you have to worry about this hypothetical scenario.)

Did you apply for your study permit through the Student Direct Stream?

 

[eagerly]

As previously said, only your school can make the call if you'd be allowed to study remotely without a study permit, but I would expect them to take the conservative stance and only allow enrollment when you actually have an approved study permit.

(What I mean to say is...I don't think you have to worry about this hypothetical scenario.)

Did you apply for your study permit through the Student Direct Stream?

Ok, thank you! No, I applied through the regular online stream.

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

You don't need a permit to enroll remotely however note it will not be counted towards your eligibility for a PGWP

 

[eagerly]

You don't need a permit to enroll remotely however note it will not be counted towards your eligibility for a PGWP

Thank you. What if I'm enrolled in a 1 yr program? If I'm in Canada for leass than 1 yr, will my PGWP also be less than that? Thanks.

 

[Impatient Dankaroo]

Thank you. What if I'm enrolled in a 1 yr program? If I'm in Canada for leass than 1 yr, will my PGWP also be less than that? Thanks.

You have to be in Canada for more than 50% of the program length after which you will get the entire length in your PGWP. Anything less than 50% and you get nothing.

 

[scylla]

Thank you. What if I'm enrolled in a 1 yr program? If I'm in Canada for leass than 1 yr, will my PGWP also be less than that? Thanks.

If you start your studies before you have a study permit, assume that it may not be possible to get a PGWP. So it all depends on how important the PGWP is to you.

 

[eagerly]

If you start your studies before you have a study permit, assume that it may not be possible to get a PGWP. So it all depends on how important the PGWP is to you.

Noted on this, thank you so much!

 

[eagerly]

You have to be in Canada for more than 50% of the program length after which you will get the entire length in your PGWP. Anything less than 50% and you get nothing.

Noted, thank you very much!