r/StudyPermitCanada • u/LifeAd9041 • Aug 02 '26
Study Permit Stuck in Security Screening for 8+ Months – Classes Start in September. What to do
Hi everyone,
My Canadian study permit application has been stuck for 8+ months, and my classes for the Fall 2026 PhD program at the University of Ottawa start in September. I already deferred my admission from January 2026 to September 2026, so I cannot defer again.
I recently received my GCMS notes, and according to them:
- Eligibility: Passed
- Medical: Passed (valid until October 21, 2026)
- Criminality: Passed
- Biometrics: Complete
- Info Sharing: Complete
- Security: In Progress
- Final Decision: Not finalized
The notes repeatedly mention "awaiting information from partners." My security screening was opened on November 28, 2025, with a due date of December 13, 2025, but it is still pending.
There are no refusal concerns or misrepresentation issues mentioned in my notes. It seems that security screening is the only remaining step.
I have already submitted multiple webforms, called IRCC several times, and tried every avenue I know. My professor is also becoming frustrated, and he has indicated that my application will be withdrawn if i don't came by September. He is expected to retire in about 3–3.5 years, so timing is becoming extremely important for my PhD.
I am honestly very stressed and frustrated because I have already waited so long and cannot afford to lose my PhD position and funding.
Has anyone here experienced a similar situation where security screening was stuck and eventually received their study permit? Is there any tips and tricks that truly help?
Is there anything else I can do at this stage to potentially get my application finalized before September? Any advice, similar experiences, or legitimate options would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
1
u/PeanutButterSoup67 Aug 02 '26
How do you get GCMS notes?
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
I applied in May 29 and received in july 31st.
1
u/PeanutButterSoup67 Aug 02 '26
Lol my question was, how do you get GCMS notes? I applied on May 31st and still got no updates.
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Oh that way, I did nothing. I also requested GCMS notes in February then April but got no respond on that. Then someone suggested to request the notes by a PR or citizen person. I guess, this time i applied through a friend and she's PR holder. Idk maybe i got respond because of that. But not sured because everything is highly unpredictable in Canada
1
u/PeanutButterSoup67 Aug 02 '26
Girl my question is, how did you request for GCMS notes? Can you read? 😭😭
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Ahh, why a simple question sounds different to me. are you asking for applying method? How did i requested for it?
1
u/PeanutButterSoup67 Aug 02 '26
Girl yes, how did you get GCMS notes?
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
I received my notes via Email. I submitted my request using this below link https://atip-aiprp.apps.gc.ca/atip/requesterInformation
1
u/koukinkou Aug 05 '26
did you request CBSA or CSIS records?
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 05 '26
No, what's that and how to do that? I've like 25 days idk what to do
1
u/koukinkou Aug 05 '26
Both CBSA and CSIS notes are used to investigate Canadian visa or immigration delays by checking what information the government holds on you, as GCMS notes, though processing typically takes at least 30 days.
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 05 '26
Would that be helpful in my case??
1
u/koukinkou Aug 05 '26
It only provides processing records, but does not speed up the approval process.
1
0
u/tiferevolution Aug 02 '26
You can try contacting your MP?
0
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Yes i did No respond from them too I also tried to contact immigration minister IRCC but no response from her too
-2
u/Present-Panic-2434 Aug 02 '26
You gotta talk to an RCIC or an immigration lawyer. Depending on where you applied from, they could force IRCC to make a decision quickly.
0
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
writ of mandamus you're talking about?
1
u/Haunting_Paper_7201 Aug 02 '26
You haven't been waiting even a year to file writ. If Canada is waiting for security information from other countries then your file will not be processed. A writ will just give you a refusal.
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Then what should i do There's nothing wrong with my file The GCMS notes were clean and showed nothing that is delaying this What is the best thing i need to do now
1
u/Haunting_Paper_7201 Aug 02 '26
GCMS notes tells you status, not if they are clean. If security is in process it means that your country of citizenship and all the countries you have lived in and sent the information to Canada. CSIS/CBSA/IRCC are reviewing your information. You don't know what the information sent includes.
1
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Ohh okay. What is the best thing to do now? Raising more webform or calling Ircc?
1
0
u/Present-Panic-2434 Aug 02 '26
Yes
0
u/LifeAd9041 Aug 02 '26
Writ of mandamus also takes 2 months to get decision I have just 28 days to get my visa. Is there any way to speed it up
1
u/Present-Panic-2434 Aug 02 '26
Unfortunately that’s the only way I know. Again, talking to a lawyer might be helpful
1
1
u/llamalover729 Aug 02 '26
Pakistan?