PGWP Refused for part-time semesters
I applied for my PGWP in August 26 2025. Background check was completed the day after
Medicals was passed December 6th
After multiple follow up’s with MPs, Contact Centre, Webforms.
I got a refusal on May 8 2026
ODN:
“In order to be eligible for a PGWP, the client must have maintained full-time student status during
each academic session of the program(s).
As per letter submitted by University of Manitoba Student Accessibility Services dated, June 18,
2025, regarding client’s status,
It is stated that client has been approved for reduced course as a result of accommodations. In
the letter it states, client is allowed to be enrolled in reduced course load while maintaining full-
time status. Client was allowed to be enrolled in 40% course load or 6 credit hours per term.
All submissions reviewed. As per transcript provided, client studied part-time during the following
term after starting the Computer Science Major: Winter 2019 (3 credit hours), Winter 2022 (3
credit hours), Fall 2023 (3 credit hours). These terms do not fall under any of the exemptions
listed; therefore, client does not meet the eligibility requirements for a PGWP under R205(c)(ii) of
the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
Client letter reviewed. I note that the PGWP program's eligibility criteria are mandatory and that
nothing in the program requirements confers any discretion on immigration officers to modify or
waive the program's eligibility requirements.
Application refused and client advised of possible restoration. Refund of $100.00 open work
permit fee initiated.”
Winter 2019: I had recently started chemotherapy in January 2019 for a third occurrence(second relapse) of a cancer(Hodgkins Lymphoma). The treatment lasted for a full year. I was granted AWs for 3 of my Winter 2019 classes on medical grounds. (AWs don’t show up on transcript
Winter 2022: Similar to the one above. I was still dealing with side effects from treatment. I was granted a Late Voluntary Withdrawal(Similar to AWs but it shows up on you transcript). My Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist (who I am currently still seeing) gave supporting documentation
Fall 2023: I had registered for my final elective and gotten on the waitlist for my COMP requirements, but unfortunately I couldn’t get in by the registration review period deadline. At that time there was a huge bottleneck in the COMP science department, and my options at the time were limited, with some classes only being offered in select semesters
My Client information was specific but not specific enough.
The thing I don’t understand is how they can say that someone who went through 3 cancer occurrences(2 in my undergrad) and still pushed through his degree when it would have broken others down, doesn’t have grounds for the officer to use discretion.
Even the immigration lawyer said I got unlucky with the officer that got my file. He suggested also applying for a fresh PGWP application
I am not trying to sound entitled but it doesn’t make sense, considering the fact that people with part-time semesters for non-medical and compassionate reasons get approved.
I plan on sending a reconsideration request along with supporting letters from school staff, and my medical team.
Do you guys have any advice, on what to do?