PGWP rejected after graduation

[rubberneck2021]

Dear friends, I would really appreciate any good advise in this situation:
My sister graduated from one of the major Canadian Universities. She wanted to complete two Bachelor's programs at once, but eventually graduated with just one (not sure if that matters). During her studying she had to take several additional courses, and several courses she had to drop and re-take, since one of her programs was really difficult.
Whether it was a mistake or not, but the very first SP was given to my sister for a shorter time period than her programs required.
So, for all of the reasons mentioned above, she had to extend her SP several times. The very last time it was rejected, but my sister was able to prove that she always maintained her legal status in Canada, so the SP was eventually approved.
After my sister graduated, she immediately applied for a PGWP, but it was rejected. Of course, there are no specific details in the refusal letter, but that part was specifically highlighted: "Foreign students in Canada are eligible for a work permit for post-graduation employment only if they have maintained full time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs..." That is especially confusing, since she doesn't have any lapse in her SP status.
Per that letter, my sister needs to leave Canada within 90 days from the date she received graduation documents. In fact, she has roughly a month left.
Is there a way to appeal officer's decision considering the amount of time left?
Is there any legal way to extend her stay in Canada while the situation is getting resolved?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Naturgrl]

Your sister had to maintain full time status except for the last semester. If she dropped courses then she most likely wasn’t full time so is not eligible for a PGWP. It doesn’t matter if her studies were continuous.

 

[scylla]

Dear friends, I would really appreciate any good advise in this situation:
My sister graduated from one of the major Canadian Universities. She wanted to complete two Bachelor's programs at once, but eventually graduated with just one (not sure if that matters). During her studying she had to take several additional courses, and several courses she had to drop and re-take, since one of her programs was really difficult.
Whether it was a mistake or not, but the very first SP was given to my sister for a shorter time period than her programs required.
So, for all of the reasons mentioned above, she had to extend her SP several times. The very last time it was rejected, but my sister was able to prove that she always maintained her legal status in Canada, so the SP was eventually approved.
After my sister graduated, she immediately applied for a PGWP, but it was rejected. Of course, there are no specific details in the refusal letter, but that part was specifically highlighted: "Foreign students in Canada are eligible for a work permit for post-graduation employment only if they have maintained full time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs..." That is especially confusing, since she doesn't have any lapse in her SP status.
Per that letter, my sister needs to leave Canada within 90 days from the date she received graduation documents. In fact, she has roughly a month left.
Is there a way to appeal officer's decision considering the amount of time left?
Is there any legal way to extend her stay in Canada while the situation is getting resolved?

Thank you in advance!

Did she have any part time semesters? If so, how many?

 

[rubberneck2021]

Did she have any part time semesters? If so, how many?

As I figured, yes: she had 3 semesters (out of 11 or 12 total) that couldn't be qualified as full time due to dropped courses.

 

[scylla]

As I figured, yes: she had 3 semesters (out of 11 or 12 total) that couldn't be qualified as full time due to dropped courses.

That's the issue in that case (and it's why the refusal reason refers to the fact that she failed to maintain full time status).

To qualify for a PGWP, you must maintain full time status through your studies. You can be part time only in your last semester.

Unfortunately she was correctly refused.

If she completes another program of study in Canada and maintains full time status throughout, then she would qualify for a PGWP based on the duration of this second program.

 

[rubberneck2021]

That's the issue in that case (and it's why the refusal reason refers to the fact that she failed to maintain full time status).

To qualify for a PGWP, you must maintain full time status through your studies. You can be part time only in your last semester.

Unfortunately she was correctly refused.

If she completes another program of study in Canada and maintains full time status throughout, then she would qualify for a PGWP based on the duration of this second program.

Thank you very much for the information! Do you know about any other programs for graduates with a very limited work experience (less than a year)?

 

[scylla]

Thank you very much for the information! Do you know about any other programs for graduates with a very limited work experience (less than a year)?

Do you mean education programs?

If so, she will need to research what programs are available that align to her previous education. She will need to restore her status and get a new work permit.

She will need to make sure the program is at least 8 months in length and full time to qualify for a PGWP. An 8 month program will get her an 8 month PGWP.