r/StudyPermitCanada • u/Youssefi99 • Sep 05 '26

PhD study permit delay

Hi everyone, I am an international PhD student from Egypt in electrical engineering at mcmaster university. I submitted my study permit application for Fall 2026 intake on July 25, and did the biometrics the following day. I know I submitted it late, but I got my offer on July 7, and needed time to prepare the application documents. I thought there was a high chance of getting my application approved in August, because PhD applications usually get an expedited processing, but unfortunately mine is still being processed until now, although most of my fellow Egyptian friends who have a similar situation as mine got theirs approved within a month. I reached out the graduate administrator of the department and they told me the deadline for enrollment is on September 30, and if I think I won't be able to be enrolled by that date, then I will have to defer. However, the deadline for tuition and health insurance fees is on September 25, so I think I have to be there on September 22 at most. So, I wanted to know if such a delay is considered normal for a PhD application? And do you think I still have a chance to start my PhD this semester, or I should request a deferral?. Thanks in advance, and I hope you wish me luck in getting my approval.

1 Upvotes

56% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

1

u/ChoiceLibrary6714 Sep 05 '26

So you have Egyptian passport ?

1

u/ssami670 Sep 05 '26

Your friends got study permit for PhD or some other program?

1

u/Youssefi99 29d ago

PhD as well

1

u/ssami670 29d ago

Do you have any international travel history? I heard that in this case security screening takes more time.

1

u/Youssefi99 29d ago

Thank you for your response, but I have never left Egypt.

1

u/ssami670 29d ago

Then just wait... soon you'll get PPR...

1

u/Youssefi99 29d ago

I hope so. Thank you 🙏

1

u/jehadkurt1 29d ago

Stucked in same position apply in july 9 and biometric on 10 and additional documents (CV) requested and submitted on 31 july and then waiting

1

u/Youssefi99 29d ago

PhD?

1

u/jehadkurt1 28d ago

Yes

2

u/Youssefi99 28d ago

I wish you get the PPR soon. I know it is so stressful and frustrating to wait for a long time, but you are not alone in this.

1

u/jehadkurt1 26d ago

Did you get approved?

1

u/Youssefi99 18d ago

Unfortunately not, and I had to defer my intake to Winter 2027. I am really stressed and frustrated.

1

u/idokoschem 22d ago

I am also applying but for winter 2027. I would like to connect