How to get my study permit faster?

[sachstyl]

Hi, I have a serious problem going on, which stresses me out! It is about the study permit for studying in Québec.

I am from Greece and I was accepted to pursue my Phd in Canada. At the last moment (night of 22/6/2018), I was told that I need to get a CAQ and apply for a study permit (needs the former). However, today (the day that I posted this question) is 23/6/2018 and I will fly to Montréal in 26/8/2018. So, there are 8-9 weeks till my flight. As I know the semester begins at 4/9/2018 and I haven't already sent my documents for CAQ (I am planning to do it today or tommorow). The maximum time needed for my CAQ is 4 weeks. I am also informed that the Greek international students should usually wait 7-8 weeks for the approval of their study permit. This makes a maximum total of 11 weeks, which is much greater than the amount of 8-9 weeks left.

Is there a way to accelerate the processes? Moreover, if something goes wrong with my study permit, what can I possibly do to pass the airport, stay in Canada, begin my doctorate studies and arrange the issue of my study permit there?

Thank you in advance for your valuable time and help!

 

[bongoman]

Nothing you can do to speed anything up on the application side.
Will your school allow you to register and start classes without the study permit? See https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/6wd9rq/start_studies_without_a_study_permit/

 

[sachstyl]

Nothing you can do to speed anything up on the application side.
Will your school allow you to register and start classes without the study permit? See https://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/6wd9rq/start_studies_without_a_study_permit/

Thanks for the reply. OK, I will see what to do with my new department, but will I be allowed to enter Canada (i.e. let me leave the airport) without the approval of my study permit and the CAQ only? Assuming so, will I initially arrive there as a tourist? And if this is the case, what should I do next?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Thanks for the reply. OK, I will see what to do with my new department, but will I be allowed to enter Canada (i.e. let me leave the airport) without the approval of my study permit and the CAQ only? Assuming so, will I initially arrive there as a tourist? And if this is the case, what should I do next?

Thanks in advance for the help!

That reddit thread is just full of wrong information. Ignore it. Know that starting your PhD without a study permit is illegal, regardless of what the school says.

CBSA may allow you to enter as a visitor or they may refuse you entry. No one can say. If allowed entry as a visitor, you would need to flagpole at the Canada-US border once your study permit is approved in order to activate it.