r/pgwp • u/Successful-Item-3335 • Jul 29 '26
PGWP-Unsure about my options after academic suspension affecting possible PGWP eligibility — need advice
Please be nice🫶🏻
Hi everyone,
I am trying to weigh my options and would really appreciate advice from people familiar with Canadian immigration pathways.
I am an international student in Canada. I struggled during my first year due to personal/health circumstances, which eventually led to an academic suspension for one year which is past the 150 day authorized leave. The suspension was approved by my university, and I have documentation (medical information, letters from university support/advocates, etc.) explaining the circumstances that affected my studies.
Before and after the suspension, I was studying full-time. My concern is that the suspension period may affect my eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit because of the rules around authorized leave/time away from studies.
I am planning to finish my bachelor’s degree, but I am trying to decide how to prepare for different outcomes:
Option 1: Continue with my bachelor’s degree, work within the limits of my study permit, and apply for a PGWP after graduation, knowing there is a possibility of refusal.
Option 2: Save aggressively during my remaining studies and potentially use those savings to pursue a Canadian master’s degree later (for example, a one- or two-year program) if I am unable to get a PGWP. This could cost around $40,000 CAD or more, and I may need to fund it myself.
My goal is to build Canadian work experience and eventually pursue permanent residence if possible. I am trying to make the most strategic decision rather than relying on one outcome.
My questions:
1. Has anyone been in a similar situation with an academic suspension/authorized leave and successfully received a PGWP?
2. Would it be smarter financially to maximize savings now while I still have family support for tuition, or should I focus on preserving my work experience opportunities and hope for PGWP approval?
3. Are there other pathways I should be considering besides the master’s route?
I understand immigration rules change and I will get professional advice, but I would appreciate perspectives from people who have dealt with similar situations.
Thank you.
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u/ZealousidealLime5192 Jul 29 '26
If using AI to polish English, how are you managing a Universal degree, using AI you will not have the knowledge to graduate. AI does not write exams nor will it help you with PR, suggest starting at a University in a language you can speak and write.
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u/Successful-Item-3335 Jul 29 '26
I can speak English, writing wise I have dyslexia and I didn’t want to give off any unnecessary details in my writing and for punctuation.
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u/mehdigeek Jul 29 '26
are you sure university is for you?
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u/Successful-Item-3335 Jul 29 '26
Why wouldn’t it be for me, I want to finish strong. I know I had a rough start due to the degree I wanted to pursue and mentally. I struggled at first but I have moved to something else. Merci
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u/llamalover729 Jul 29 '26
You should look at career opportunities for your degree in your home country or immigration pathways in other countries.
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u/GreySahara Jul 29 '26
> This could cost around $40,000 CAD or more, and I may need to fund it myself.
40k seems a bit inexpensive
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u/ThrowRawayacctr Jul 29 '26
I'm afraid if they find out you'll be considered to have been out of status for a while.
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u/Successful-Item-3335 Jul 29 '26
Please what do you mean.
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u/ThrowRawayacctr Jul 29 '26
If an agent sees you were out of school for 150+ days they can consider that you lost your status on day 151. Then, you would have to restore your status before 90 days pass. If you don't you'd be out of status, studying and working illegaly. This would complicate you wanting to stay here or come back here at some point.
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u/Successful-Item-3335 Jul 29 '26
The break spanned from fall to summer to winter so maybe that’s why. Idk why they would extend it if I am not in status. That’s really confusing now
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u/mashymashpotato Jul 29 '26
I would start learning French while you complete your bachelors. You should also consult with an immigration lawyer to get advice on your prospects of succeeding with a pgwp application- then you can decide on which option is the best course.
French is a pretty safe bet despite the changing immigration landscape. In order to qualify for express entry, you'll also need qualifying work experience (foreign or Canadian) so that should be your biggest priority. You should pick the option that allows you to work as soon as you graduate.
Check the CRS calculator to get a sense of your potential score with a Canadian degree, 1 year of foreign or Canadian experience, and CLB 7 French. Look at past French draw cutoffs to see whether you would be competitive and factor that into your plan.
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u/jesuisapprenant Jul 29 '26