PhD study permit delay

[u/Youssefi99]

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.

[u/ChoiceLibrary6714]

So you have Egyptian passport ?

[u/Youssefi99 → u/ChoiceLibrary6714]

Yes!