PGWP: confused with the definition of semester and session

[kanyeeast0516]

Hello guys, I have a question that hope you guys can clarify.

For PGWP eligibility, in one official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last semester; in another official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last session.

source:
first website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...rk/after-graduation/eligibility.html#criteria
second website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...aduation-work-permit-program/eligibility.html

For my university, for each academic year, we have two academic sessions, one is Fall/Winter session and the other one is summer session. For Fall/Winter session, we have 2 terms (Fall term and Winter term).
source: https://fas.calendar.utoronto.ca/learning-experience

My problem is I'm currently in my last academic session as a part-time student, which means I'm part-time for both Fall term and Winter term.

If I stick with the first criteria, since I have two consecutively part-time semester, then I'm not eligible for PGWP.
If I stick with the last criteria, since I have one part-time session, I'm eligible for PGWP.

Which criteria should I trust?

Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[bongoman]

Hello guys, I have a question that hope you guys can clarify.

For PGWP eligibility, in one official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last semester; in another official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last session.

source:
first website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...rk/after-graduation/eligibility.html#criteria
second website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...aduation-work-permit-program/eligibility.html

For my university, for each academic year, we have two academic sessions, one is Fall/Winter session and the other one is summer session. For Fall/Winter session, we have 2 terms (Fall term and Winter term).
source: https://fas.calendar.utoronto.ca/learning-experience

My problem is I'm currently in my last academic session as a part-time student, which means I'm part-time for both Fall term and Winter term.

If I stick with the first criteria, since I have two consecutively part-time semester, then I'm not eligible for PGWP.
If I stick with the last criteria, since I have one part-time session, I'm eligible for PGWP.

Which criteria should I trust?

Thanks in advance!!!!

You can only be part time in last semester i.e Winter in your case not both fall & winter.

 

[scylla]

Hello guys, I have a question that hope you guys can clarify.

For PGWP eligibility, in one official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last semester; in another official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last session.

source:
first website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...rk/after-graduation/eligibility.html#criteria
second website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...aduation-work-permit-program/eligibility.html

For my university, for each academic year, we have two academic sessions, one is Fall/Winter session and the other one is summer session. For Fall/Winter session, we have 2 terms (Fall term and Winter term).
source: https://fas.calendar.utoronto.ca/learning-experience

My problem is I'm currently in my last academic session as a part-time student, which means I'm part-time for both Fall term and Winter term.

If I stick with the first criteria, since I have two consecutively part-time semester, then I'm not eligible for PGWP.
If I stick with the last criteria, since I have one part-time session, I'm eligible for PGWP.

Which criteria should I trust?

Thanks in advance!!!!

The rule is for semesters. You have two part time semesters and should be expecting your PGWP to be refused. You don't meet the criteria unfortunately.

 

[antoinexie]

Hello guys, I have a question that hope you guys can clarify.

For PGWP eligibility, in one official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last semester; in another official website, it states applicant need to be full-time status except part-time for last session.

source:
first website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...rk/after-graduation/eligibility.html#criteria
second website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...aduation-work-permit-program/eligibility.html

For my university, for each academic year, we have two academic sessions, one is Fall/Winter session and the other one is summer session. For Fall/Winter session, we have 2 terms (Fall term and Winter term).
source: https://fas.calendar.utoronto.ca/learning-experience

My problem is I'm currently in my last academic session as a part-time student, which means I'm part-time for both Fall term and Winter term.

If I stick with the first criteria, since I have two consecutively part-time semester, then I'm not eligible for PGWP.
If I stick with the last criteria, since I have one part-time session, I'm eligible for PGWP.

Which criteria should I trust?

Thanks in advance!!!!

Hi, I am in the same situation right now with you and I wonder if you did get your PGWP?
I decided to take an extra year last year to complete a Software Engineering minor and it was tricky that the Computer Science program offers my required courses in different semesters. So I had to take a part-time 5th year (including fall and winter semester) to complete my studies. Before I made my decision I talked to the International Student Counselor in my university and they told me "final academic session" can be an academic year which applies to my case.
But I'm about to graduate now and from what I see on the forum a lot of people are saying it's not eligible.
I noticed the time of your post is in 2019 so I wonder if you did get your PGWP or you were refused.

 

[scylla]

Hi, I am in the same situation right now with you and I wonder if you did get your PGWP?
I decided to take an extra year last year to complete a Software Engineering minor and it was tricky that the Computer Science program offers my required courses in different semesters. So I had to take a part-time 5th year (including fall and winter semester) to complete my studies. Before I made my decision I talked to the International Student Counselor in my university and they told me "final academic session" can be an academic year which applies to my case.
But I'm about to graduate now and from what I see on the forum a lot of people are saying it's not eligible.
I noticed the time of your post is in 2019 so I wonder if you did get your PGWP or you were refused.

IRCC's language around this is very specific. It's all about semesters. The allowance is that you can be part-time in your final semester only. Your situation will counted as part time in the final two semesters. Unfortunately what the counselor told you was nonsense. IRCC doesn't based their rules on "sessions", all of the language is around "semesters".

Having said that, you should definitely still apply for the PGWP and try to make a case for why you had to be part time for two semesters. We do see people get lucky and still approved under these circumstances. In addition to your own explanation of why you were part time in the last two semesters, include a letter from the student counselor to support you.