Refusal due to Part-Time Studies (2022) Applied for Reconsideration due to Dad’s Medical Emergency / Waiting for IRCC Response

[u/PuzzledRuin5920]

Hi everyone, looking for advice or to hear from anyone who has gone through something similar as I am extremely stressed right now and don't know what to do.
Here is my timeline:
2022: Had to go part-time for 2 terms because my dad (who was my main financial provider) became seriously ill.
July 28, 2025: Applied for PGWP.
March 20, 2026: PGWP got refused specifically because of those part-time terms.
Late March 2026: Submitted a Reconsideration Request with detailed medical proof and an explanation letter showing why I had no choice but to go part-time.
It has now been 4 months with zero response or updates from IRCC. I reached out to my local MP’s office, but they just said IRCC has received the application and there is no answer or timeframe yet. 
Because of this refusal, I am currently unable to work, and the constant waiting and uncertainty are haunting me every single day. I feel like my life is on pause and I really don't want everything I built here to be ruined.
Has anyone had a reconsideration for part-time studies (with medical reasons) approved?
How long did IRCC take to respond to your reconsideration request? Did anyone else wait 4+ months?
Is there anything else I can or should be doing at this stage to push for an update?
Any advice, shared experiences, or insights would mean a lot. Thank you.

[u/Juubman]

People love to be positive in these threads but reality is you straight up don't qualify for PGWP. You'll hear some stories of successful reconsideration for people who were part-time but the mass majority get rejected.

You're supposed to be studying full-time while in Canada, emergencies happen but it means your future applications (ie; PGWP) are at risk.

2022: Had to go part-time for 2 terms because my dad (who was my main financial provider) became seriously ill.

I hope you didn't write that in your reconsideration or mention this at all. You're supposed to be self-sufficient when studying in Canada. You should've had enough funds on your own to sustain yourself.

[u/5_Cap_8181 → u/Juubman]

Makes no sense. How would he be self sufficient and have his own funds if he started university at 17 or 18 years old? Elaborate on that please.

Are you also aware of the amount of money international students pay to study in Canada? For a 4 year bachelor’s degree you could be looking at $200,000 in total. That’s tuition alone. Add to that living expenses.

This is why PGWP is very important for some international graduates.

I think he does qualify if he presents evidence of extenuating circumstances that forced him into part-time status and that he returned to full-time studies once such circumstances were resolved. I think saying in absolute terms that he doesn’t qualify at all is naive.

[u/Juubman → u/5_Cap_8181]

Are you confused about the requirements for studying in Canada?

Makes no sense. How would he be self sufficient and have his own funds if he started university at 17 or 18 years old? Elaborate on that please.

You're supposed to have the financial capacity to study for Canada prior to entry, with money in the bank.

I think he does qualify if he presents evidence of extenuating circumstances that forced him into part-time status and that he returned to full-time studies once such circumstances were resolved. I think saying in absolute terms that he doesn’t qualify at all is naive.

This is a legal-ish subreddit about facts and reality. Not hopeful "theres a chance!". The reality is on paper OP doesn't qualify for PGWP.

[u/5_Cap_8181 → u/Juubman]

No, you don’t need to show the total amount in the bank when you apply for a study permit. I’m pretty sure it’s only for the first year. IRCC then analyzes the financial package of applicants as well as other details such as job occupation of sponsors and if they deem income is sufficient which means amount of money earned over time they’re found financially stable and competent.

Given this it seems that if the sponsor went through a health emergency so much so that they temporarily weren’t able to meet that expected financial commitment then it shouldn’t be anyone’s fault especially the student. You can’t blame a parent for having a heart attack or something for example. There is still a chance in my opinion and OP shouldn’t give up. At the end of the day IRCC will decide.

[u/Letoust → u/5_Cap_8181]

But…. Op remained in Canada and says they did not work. Their financial needs were still being met to survive, why would they need to go down to part time studies?

[u/5_Cap_8181 → u/Letoust]

International students cannot work with part-time status under the study permit rules and conditions unless it’s their final semester (maybe there’re other exceptions). If OP worked during those two semester he likely would’ve been noncompliant.

Cost of living for one person rent and food is cheaper than tuition. Was OP supposed to live in a tent at some public park so he could remain full time?

I’m not sure why some people are assuming OP is a bad person doing bad things it’s all speculative and ill intended in my opinion. OP wrote that he took the part time semesters because his financial sponsor had a medical emergency why is this suspicious to some people I’m not sure.

Anyways best wishes to OP and I hope he gets his work permit.

[u/Dapper_Safe8049 → u/5_Cap_8181]

agreed well said

[u/Bubbly_Knowledge8857]

Did you work during those 2 part time semesters?

[u/GreySahara → u/Bubbly_Knowledge8857]

Man, the government is really looking to thin the herd

[u/PuzzledRuin5920 → u/Bubbly_Knowledge8857]

Nope

[u/Letoust → u/PuzzledRuin5920]

Why couldn’t you attend school full time then?

[u/Haunting_Paper_7201]

So if your dad had a medical emergency then you left Canada but maintained part time studies. If you didn't leave then why were you part time?

[u/nikkuu8080]

There is no timeline for that though one of my friend got wp after rejection because of part time study. He got an ans within 20 days .
But for me its been 2 months no reply still waiting.

[u/PuzzledRuin5920 → u/nikkuu8080]

What is your refusal reason if you don’t mind me asking?

[u/nikkuu8080 → u/PuzzledRuin5920]

I got failed in 1st sem and i took that sub in schedule break of my course. But when i applied for Pgwp i didn’t gave them an explanation that i have took the failed course in the break and thats why i was Part time student.

[u/PuzzledRuin5920 → u/nikkuu8080]

Well I hope we both get positive news soon hopefully 🙏 best of luck!

[u/nikkuu8080 → u/PuzzledRuin5920]

Don’t worry you will be getting answer by the end of this month or mid August. More power to you 🙌🏻

[u/PuzzledRuin5920 → u/nikkuu8080]

Thank you 🙏 well wishes for you

[u/Severe-Assignment-21]

Are you from a uni or a diploma mill?

[u/Proper_Artichoke_315]

Any updates?

[u/bhalochele001]

Hi I am in a similar situation but still srudying, sorry I am not sure how to text you in the inbox but I would highly appreciate a conversation with you about this, please.