Part-time Semesters Outside the Final Academic Term
Situation
International student with part-time semesters outside the final academic term
Challenge
Did not meet the standard full-time study requirement for PGWP eligibility
Outcome
PGWP Approved – 3-Year Work Permit
Case Snapshot
Study Program
4-year Bachelor’s Degree
Institution
York University
Key Issue
Part-time semesters outside final term
Outcome
PGWP Approved – 3-Year Work Permit
The Situation
This case involved an international student who completed a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Canada.
However, during the program:
- The student had two part-time semesters
- These occurred outside of the final academic term
Under standard PGWP rules, this creates a serious issue.
The Problem
🔴 Full-Time Requirement
IRCC states:
- you must maintain full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program
- You may study part-time during your final semester.
To qualify for a PGWP, applicants must meet minimum language requirements. Failure to meet these requirements results in refusal of the application
🔴 Why This Is a Problem
If a student studies part-time outside the final semester, they are generally considered ineligible for a PGWP
🔴 How Officers Typically Assess This
Applications are often refused where:
- There are part-time semesters mid-program
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Our Approach
Identifying the Real Issue
We identified that the refusal risk was not simply the part-time semester itself, but how the full-time study requirement was being interpreted in this specific context.
Strategic Interpretation of Requirements
We focused on how IRCC guidance defines:
– Full-time study requirements
– How those requirements apply in different contexts
In particular, we assessed how these requirements apply to studies completed outside Canada during COVID-19 measures, where standard interpretations may not apply in the same way.
Contextualizing the Part-Time Semester
We demonstrated that:
– The part-time semester occurred under exceptional circumstances outside Canada
– The issue was isolated and not reflective of the overall program
– The student completed a rigorous 4 year bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance
Structured Legal Submission
We prepared a detailed submission that:
– Addressed the issue directly
– Highlighted inconsistencies in interpretation
– Presented the full context clearly and professionally
The application was structured to ensure the officer could assess the case holistically and fairly.
The Outcome
Outcome: PGWP Approved – 3 Years (including spouse and dependent children)
The application was approved for the full three-year duration
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