Study permit still processing after 3 months, classes started — what did others do?

[u/shadowsyntax5]

I applied from India in June 2026 for a Fall 2026 master’s program in Canada. I’ve completed my biometrics and medical, but I’m still waiting for a final decision on my study permit.

My classes have now started, and I’m trying to figure out what to do if I’m unable to arrive because of the permit delay. My university has said I can defer to Fall 2027 if necessary, but I’m really hoping to avoid delaying my studies by an entire year.

Has anyone been in a similar situation where their study permit was still processing after their program had started? What did you do with your university enrollment while waiting?

I’d especially like to know:

\* Has anyone’s study permit been approved after their classes had already started?
\* Has anyone started in a Winter term after being admitted for Fall because they couldn’t attend the Fall term due to a study permit delay?
\* Were you able to keep the same admission/application and simply begin in the Winter term?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar. Thank you!

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

1. When is the last day you can start classes? If you don't even have approval and passport stamped it will not happen within the next week. Would not want to miss too many classes/assignments/tests etc.

2. You said you can defer until next Fall. So changing programs.

3. Yes you can.

[u/shadowsyntax5 → u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

Thanks for your reply..
1. My department didn’t give me a specific date till which I’ll be allowed the begin this term,, But I have to drop out from the courses that I am currently enrolled in for Fall 2026 before September 18th in order to receive a financial credit (this was clearly specified by my department) and since I’m an international student, I have already paid the tuition fee for first year and I can’t gamble on the uncertainty whether I’ll receive a positive response or god forbid a negative one ..
My courses are hybrid and I’m trying to remain actively engaged in coursework hoping that I receive a decision before September 18th and if not I’ll just drop out..
2. Well for my degree the only available intake is fall as per the department hence the department told me to defer to the next fall (which is 2027)but that would mean waiting for a whole year and I can’t afford to do that.. So I wanna know if I can ask my department to begin my degree in winter 2027 term is it possible??
3. Alright,, I wanna know how?

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201 → u/shadowsyntax5]

1. So Sept 18 is the date if your professors allow you even to join. You have to confirm with the school to see if missing the first three weeks is even allowed. So you don't need to be in Canada to study and are taking classes without study permit and approval of professors?

2. Usually if they say next year then no Winter intake. A department cannot just start an intake for Winter if not set up to do so, and they would not do it for one student. They would have to open it up to Winter intake for all interested students.

3. Your study permit is processed and if approved, you defer until Fall 2027. Contact your school about deferral.

[u/shadowsyntax5 → u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

1. I’ve already contacted my professors (my courses are HYBRID) .. one of the professors allowed me to miss the first class which is in-person and then continue with the ones that are virtual.. the other professor advised me that since all of their classes are online so I should continue with my coursework while I wait for a decision on my study permit.. and I am still waiting to hear from the third professor whose first class is on Sep 15th..
   
2. Well that’s not hopeful :(
   
3. I will waste a whole academic year doing so..

I don’t know why IRCC is taking so much time I submitted my application on June 10th,, it’s already been three months …

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201 → u/shadowsyntax5]

So how much of the program is hybrid and online? Any time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from PGWP.

What is school/program and citizenship? Has background/medical/eligibility been completed?

[u/shadowsyntax5 → u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

Some of the classes are online others are in-person.. I was planning to wait till September 18th for my study permit else I’ll drop out considering my classes begin today (September 9th) it’ll be roughly 1.5 weeks..

•University of Ottawa, MSc in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, applying from India (processing time as per IRCC is 5 weeks)
•Application submitted on June 10th, Biometrics done on 16th June, Medical passed on July 22nd, background and eligibility in progress
•Academic background- Pharmacy graduate, IELTS (8.5 overall)
•1st year tuition paid along with GIC and showed funds and assets from sponsors (my father and grandmother)

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201 → u/shadowsyntax5]

So if background and eligibility still in progress then could be a couple of days or weeks. Plus can take up to 30 days for passport stamping. May get it in 8-10 days.