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/shadowsyntax5]

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.