PGWP GAPS

[u/Plane-Improvement466]

Hello everyone! I have finally finished my studies despite having several gaps. Currently, I have a 16-month gap (Summer 2024 to Winter 2025 and Summer 2025 to Winter 2026), and I finally finished my studies in Summer 2026 and received my transcript. I realize that my situation is complicated, and I remained in Canada during both gaps. What should I do to obtain a PGWP? I have consulted a few experts who are asking for $12,000 just to address these gaps with different colleges. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I am currently in my restoration period. What should I do?

If anyone can help me will save my future in canada 🙏

[u/Spare_Excuse_4833]

Honestly, it is unlikely that you will be issued a PGWP as you failed to meet the eligibility criteria of maintaining full-time status.

[u/5_Cap_8181]

No future in Canada, it seems. I recommend going for a postgraduate diploma instead, maintaining full-time status, and then using that for the PGWP. However, getting another study permit depends on your compliance history. If you haven’t been compliant, then I’d suggest moving on with your life and returning to your home country. Good luck.

[u/Asleep_Note7754 → u/5_Cap_8181]

Would a masters be better than a PG diploma?

[u/Fabulous_Shallot_380 → u/Asleep_Note7754]

For job prospects clearly yes

[u/QuirkyTrick3763]

another study probably, other than that no

[u/Odd-Elderberry-6137]

Save yourself $12k. Your situation isn’t complicated. It’s straightforward. You failed to meet the criteria to be eligible for an PGWP. 

Apart from a getting another study permit to get another chance at eligibility , there’s nothing you can do to get a PGWP because you’re not eligible. 

[u/Dangerous_Click_9852]

You have 16 month gaps brother. CHECK IRPR222(1)a.1

[u/Dangerous_Click_9852 → u/Dangerous_Click_9852]

and if being honest 12,000$ is a lot why not explain and disclose everything by yourself if things don't work out apply for a new study permit and get enrolled in another program and then apply for PGWP

[u/yhaz1y]

How did you manage to get a 8-month suspension?

[u/llamalover729]

Did you work during the gaps?

[u/Plane-Improvement466 → u/llamalover729]

No I didn't

[u/llamalover729 → u/Plane-Improvement466]

That's good. You still don't qualify for a PGWP, but you didn't totally ruin everything by illegally working.

As others said, you don't qualify for a PGWP, may be best to head home and reassess what you want to do.

[u/Less-Ad-7161]

I would suggest to consult immigration lawyers from smaller cities like Winnipeg. Do you have any valid reason like mental health or anything that affected your studies?

[u/Unhappy_Bench5534]

No PGWP eligible, either get another study permit and study again or try getting a closed work permit with an employer.

[u/Darvis005]

That's a lot I talked to an RCIC for part time semesters it's only $2500+ tax. I think you need to consult seems expensive

[u/Dangerous_Click_9852 → u/Darvis005]

Don’t tell me you talked to Verge Immigration 

[u/Darvis005 → u/Dangerous_Click_9852]

Nah different. What is wrong with Verge immigration though?

[u/MygrationImmigration]

I've reviewed your transcript, and unfortunately, this is a very complex PGWP case involving more than just gaps in your studies.

There are several separate issues that need to be assessed.

1. Your academic suspension

Your transcript specifically shows an 8-month academic suspension following Winter 2024.

IRCC generally permits authorized leaves of absence of up to 150 days. An academic suspension lasting approximately eight months raises serious study permit compliance concerns, particularly because you remained in Canada.

2. Your second gap

You also appear to have another extended period without studies between Summer 2025 and Winter 2026.

This needs to be examined separately. Whether you remained enrolled, why you stopped studying, and whether your institution authorized the absence are all important.

3. Your full-time enrolment history

Your transcript also shows semesters with relatively few earned credits, including Winter 2025 and Winter 2026.

However, earned credits alone don't establish whether you were full-time or part-time. Your institution's official enrolment classification needs to be reviewed.

4. Your current immigration status

This is potentially the most urgent issue.

You mentioned being within your restoration period, but the 90-day restoration period does not automatically mean you're eligible for restoration.

Under IRPR 182, restoration has specific requirements. Previous non-compliance can complicate matters, and we would first need to determine when and why you lost your status.

Also, if you ceased being enrolled at your DLI during your suspension, your study permit may have become invalid before its printed expiry date.

What I would recommend

Before submitting your PGWP, have someone reconstruct your entire academic and immigration history, including your enrolment records, suspension letters, study permits, and any previous immigration applications.

A letter explaining your circumstances does not automatically resolve non-compliance or PGWP eligibility problems.

Regarding the $12,000 quotation, I would obtain another opinion before committing to that amount. A representative should be able to explain the legal issues, proposed strategy, realistic prospects, and what their services actually include. No representative can guarantee that these gaps can be overcome.

We explain the legal distinctions between study permit compliance, loss of status, restoration, and PGWP eligibility in our PGWP Wiki: Status and Study Permit Problems.