PGWP Approved for only 1 year (shorter than study duration)

[dreno]

Hello everyone,

I have recently completed a 2 year masters program in about 16 months (4 terms) because I took maximum credits for each semester and didn't take any breaks at all until I completed the program. As soon as I completed my program, I got a letter from the university stating that I have completed the requirements of the program which I then used to apply for PGWP. I was surprised to be approved for only 1 year instead of at least 16 months or more. Other International Students who graduated from the same program and applied the same time as I did all got 3 years except for one who got only 2 years due to passport validity. I believe I should have been granted at least 16 months instead of just 12 months.

Has anyone encountered or knows someone who has encountered something similar? Is there a way I could get a redress or make a case for myself so that IRCC could reconsider my application? What communication channels are available to get IRCC's attention - phone call, email? - does anyone know the right phone number or email to contact? What should I actually do in this situation. My major concern with this is that there may never be enough time to get a job and then work long enough to qualify for PR.

What should I do? I would really appreciate any help and advise I could get.

Thank you all

 

[bongoman]

Talk to your school international office, they will have a qualified advisor.

 

[dreno]

Talk to your school international office, they will have a qualified advisor.

Thanks for your quick response. I went to my University's International Office to let them know, only to be told that they would not want to interfere with IRCC's decision implying that I am really on my own in this matter.

 

[pericherla19]

Hello everyone,

I have recently completed a 2 year masters program in about 16 months (4 terms) because I took maximum credits for each semester and didn't take any breaks at all until I completed the program. As soon as I completed my program, I got a letter from the university stating that I have completed the requirements of the program which I then used to apply for PGWP. I was surprised to be approved for only 1 year instead of at least 16 months or more. Other International Students who graduated from the same program and applied the same time as I did all got 3 years except for one who got only 2 years due to passport validity. I believe I should have been granted at least 16 months instead of just 12 months.

Has anyone encountered or knows someone who has encountered something similar? Is there a way I could get a redress or make a case for myself so that IRCC could reconsider my application? What communication channels are available to get IRCC's attention - phone call, email? - does anyone know the right phone number or email to contact? What should I actually do in this situation. My major concern with this is that there may never be enough time to get a job and then work long enough to qualify for PR.

What should I do? I would really appreciate any help and advise I could get.

Thank you all

I feel you bro, all the hard work and the money that you have put in, and you still get 1 year permit. I don't understand why the high commission donot treat fairly in all the applicants, like you abided all the laws right, maybe they don't have to, it's some kind of a lucky draw or vo makes a decision according to his mood. Or maybe life is just not fair, that doesn't mean you give up though, try to approach a lawyer and reapply the case stating in a letter that you have completed the 2 year course, chances are that you may be issued 3 year permit, but I am not so sure about it, I have read it in this form somewhere not personal experience. All one can do is try my friend. Again I feel your situation and it can happen to anyone of us. I request experineced people to reply to this person post, as your suggestions will be greatly helpful to him.

 

[indianstudent96]

I have been inactive in this forum for a long time but this seems like a good time to come back. As far as I understand, your study permit should be valid for at least the duration of your program which is 16 months in your case. I also heard that they have been issuing 3-year work permits for all masters degree holders regardless of it being taken fast track or not as long as the program is eligible. In your case, It looks like an honest mistake made by the Visa Officer. If I were you, I would try to get hold of IRCC. Use this link - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...orate/contact-ircc/client-support-centre.html to get the contact details. I encourage you to file a web form and make a phone call. Do keep in mind that the wait time is really long when you call them. Try to call them around 8 AM and explain your situation to an agent. I think I read somewhere in this forum that a recent graduate was able to get a 3-year work permit after being issued a 1-year work permit. If none of these work, try contacting an immigration lawyer. More likely than not, reaching the IRCC will yield good results. Hope it goes well!

 

[canuck78]

When does your passport expire≥?

 

[Eveslm]

Do you know whether the letter from your university confirming the length of the study program mentioned that it was a 2 year program and you completed in 16 months?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hello everyone,

I have recently completed a 2 year masters program in about 16 months (4 terms) because I took maximum credits for each semester and didn't take any breaks at all until I completed the program. As soon as I completed my program, I got a letter from the university stating that I have completed the requirements of the program which I then used to apply for PGWP. I was surprised to be approved for only 1 year instead of at least 16 months or more. Other International Students who graduated from the same program and applied the same time as I did all got 3 years except for one who got only 2 years due to passport validity. I believe I should have been granted at least 16 months instead of just 12 months.

Has anyone encountered or knows someone who has encountered something similar? Is there a way I could get a redress or make a case for myself so that IRCC could reconsider my application? What communication channels are available to get IRCC's attention - phone call, email? - does anyone know the right phone number or email to contact? What should I actually do in this situation. My major concern with this is that there may never be enough time to get a job and then work long enough to qualify for PR.

What should I do? I would really appreciate any help and advise I could get.

Thank you all

Sending a Webform is your best option.

 

[dreno]

I have been inactive in this forum for a long time but this seems like a good time to come back. As far as I understand, your study permit should be valid for at least the duration of your program which is 16 months in your case. I also heard that they have been issuing 3-year work permits for all masters degree holders regardless of it being taken fast track or not as long as your program is eligible. In your case, It looks like an honest mistake made by the Visa Officer. If I were you, I would try to get hold of IRCC. Use this link - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...orate/contact-ircc/client-support-centre.html to get the contact details. I encourage you to file a web form and make a phone call. Do keep in mind that the wait time is really long when you call them. Try to call them around 8 AM and explain your situation to an agent. I think I read somewhere in this forum that a recent graduate was able to get a 3-year work permit after being issued a 1-year work permit. If none of these work, try contacting an immigration lawyer. More likely than not, reaching the IRCC will yield good results. Hope it goes well!

Thank you so much for taking your time to respond to this and sharing the link. Right now, any option is a good option. I'll definitely give what you suggested a try and see what happens.

 

[dreno]

When does your passport expire≥?

I still have about four years of validity on my passport.

 

[dreno]

Do you know whether the letter from your university confirming the length of the study program mentioned that it was a 2 year program and you completed in 16 months?

Yes, the letter stated all that very clearly.

 

[canuck78]

I still have about four years of validity on my passport.

Not the issue then. Clearly there was an error. Completing the program early is likely the issue. Normally advise against doing that. The visa officer may have thought you were doing a 1year masters but took a bit longer. Agree with the suggestion that your school should indicate that you completed the 2 program early by studying continuously.

 

[indianstudent96]

Not the issue then. Clearly there was an error. Completing the program early is likely the issue. Normally advise against doing that. The visa officer may have thought you were doing a 1year masters but took a bit longer. Agree with the suggestion that your school should indicate that you completed the 2 program early by studying continuously.

I don't think it's the reason behind the shorter duration of their PGWP. Their letter cleared stated that they took a 2-year masters program. I have attached a screenshot from the IRCC website that actually indicates it should have been issued for at least 16 months. https://imgur.com/a/Knyil4W It clearly looks like a mistake from the visa officer's end. Mistakes do happen at times and it's important to have them rectified ASAP. I think the OP is doing the right thing by asking others for help rather than letting it slide by.

 

[indianstudent96]

I feel you bro, all the hard work and the money that you have put in, and you still get 1 year permit. I don't understand why the high commission donot treat fairly in all the applicants, like you abided all the laws right, maybe they don't have to, it's some kind of a lucky draw or vo makes a decision according to his mood. Or maybe life is just not fair, that doesn't mean you give up though, try to approach a lawyer and reapply the case stating in a letter that you have completed the 2 year course, chances are that you may be issued 3 year permit, but I am not so sure about it, I have read it in this form somewhere not personal experience. All one can do is try my friend. Again I feel your situation and it can happen to anyone of us. I request experineced people to reply to this person post, as your suggestions will be greatly helpful to him.

I like that you are trying to emphasize with this person but it's important to not jump into conclusions right away. Mistakes do happen from time to time and I don't think it's fair to blame the whole system on the basis of few mistakes. I am pretty sure the OP will have it rectified without hiring an immigration attorney.

 

[indianstudent96]

Thank you so much for taking your time to respond to this and sharing the link. Right now, any option is a good option. I'll definitely give what you suggested a try and see what happens.

You are very welcome. Do let me know once you get everything done. Good luck!