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Original poster

Third year uni in Canada - visa issues

55 replies

Radiatorvalves · 12/08/2025 22:32

Hello!

DS is due to start his third year studying at a Canadian uni in September. His flight is in About 2 weeks time. However the visa process has been tortuous. He’s submitted everything and has heard nothing. He’s not alone and of about 40 people on a group chat I think only one has received the student study visa.

It seems there is no one we can speak to about this. I’m planning to go to Canada house tomorrow, almost certainly fruitlessly, and I’m posting here to ask if anyone has any suggestions about how we could expedite this.

His own uni is not being helpful and he’s worried that the whole year will be a disaster.

if anyone has been through this or has any helpful ideas, we’d love to hear them.

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Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 26/08/2025 13:08

The fun continues…. DS made it but his bag didn’t. Am praying it turns up….

www.mumsnet.com/talk/holidays/5398969-lost-bag-gatwick-departure?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=share

OP posts:
angelboysmummy · 22/08/2025 12:07

Great news more visas arriving. Hope everyone’s YP have a fabulous time.

TheSunisShiningToday · 21/08/2025 22:04

Have been following this post as DD was waiting for a visa to another country. Hers turned up a couple of days ago and we have been heavily invested in this thread since then. Delighted for your DS @Radiatorvalves and everyone else who have now received their visas. Good luck to them all and hope they all have a fantastic year.

slumdogminulet · 21/08/2025 18:20

That's great @Radiatorvalves So pleased it has worked out well.

Oiledbeggs · 21/08/2025 15:38

Hooray 🙌🏻 what a relief @Radiatorvalves! safe travels to all the YP and good luck to those waiting still

Katieweasel · 21/08/2025 14:42

Have been following, amazing how invested you get in other people’s lives! McGill is fabulous. Your DS will have a wonderful experience x

LIZS · 21/08/2025 14:10

Excellent news, I hope all of them have a great time.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 21/08/2025 13:50

So happy!!!! DS had an email this morning…. He’s got his study visa and the cloud of doom has lifted. Hurrah!! Thanks to everyone for your positive vibes. I’m sure they all helped. Good luck to anyone still waiting. Xxx

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Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 21/08/2025 08:59

McGill have suggested that he postpone until second semester 🤬. Easy for them. What’s he to do with the wasted costs (flight accom) and also what is he going to do for the next 6 months. We will be pushing back on that idea.

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Oiledbeggs · 21/08/2025 07:56

@Skisunday2014fantastic! 🤞🏻for those still waiting

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 20/08/2025 22:01

Great news @Skisunday2014 🍾🍾🍾. God it’s stressful. DS heard that a friend got his at the airport. 4 more days.

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Skisunday2014 · 20/08/2025 18:36

Success!!! Permit came through this afternoon, such a relief. Wishing everyone still waiting all the luck. It’s been an unexpected and hideous process.

Mustbethat · 20/08/2025 11:19

Mond · 20/08/2025 09:23

Thanks for replying guys . What have you done re accommodation .. have you all signed a contract for the duration of time there , meaning that you are committed to pay the rent whether they go or not ?

my daughters uni are offering virtual calls with the international student adviser , so I’m going to see if my daughter will book one .

Ive not even booked a flight yet . And haven’t organised stuff for the house ie. Bedding , saucepans etc .

I guess was going to do a last minute Amazon order ? What has everyone else done about rent and stuff for the house ?

Read the t&c’s- I think ds’s uni stated they had until the end of the first week to cancel the contract for a full refund, after that they were liable for the semester.

In the dorms there was quite a lot of “handing down”- those leaving would donate to the incoming freshman- mini fridges, bookcases and the like they wouldn’t need in student housing.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 20/08/2025 10:35

DS is committed to uni Accomm and has paid a deposit. I don’t think he’s going to have to pay the full year if he can’t stay - although that was the intention.

He’s only taking one 23kg bag. So if he needs a duvet, he will be off to ikea. Otherwise it’s clothes and computer only. We had intended to visit for a short holiday a few weeks later, but given this problem, we’ve not booked and it’s very unlikely to happen.

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Mond · 20/08/2025 09:23

Thanks for replying guys . What have you done re accommodation .. have you all signed a contract for the duration of time there , meaning that you are committed to pay the rent whether they go or not ?

my daughters uni are offering virtual calls with the international student adviser , so I’m going to see if my daughter will book one .

Ive not even booked a flight yet . And haven’t organised stuff for the house ie. Bedding , saucepans etc .

I guess was going to do a last minute Amazon order ? What has everyone else done about rent and stuff for the house ?

Skisunday2014 · 20/08/2025 07:24

Hi, we’ve also been advised that a switch from eta to study visa isn’t possible. The Canadian uni is offering a term but her course in UK had previously said (at point of application) that wasn’t possible.

We have contacted our MPs office, done 3 web forms and continue to wait. Due to depart in less than a week. So so frustrating.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 20/08/2025 07:06

@Mond theres a link to a Reddit thread further up and DS is separately on a UCL chat. I’ve asked the same question about transferring from eta to full study visa and McGill have said not possible. I find that hard to believe and given numbers affected seems to be in interests of the unis to sort something with the IRCC.

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Mond · 20/08/2025 00:53

Hi my daughter is in the same position

so annoying . What is the webform you have all been filling in?

also. Someone mentioned a group chat with about 40 people in. Is it possible to get my daughter added to this chat please ?

is anyone else going to queens who has any info ?

last question ! If they go in on an ETA for the first semester and they’re visa comes through whilst they are in Canada, can they get a flight in and out of Canada and continue studying on the study visa ??

Skisunday2014 · 19/08/2025 22:08

@Oiledbeggs congratulations! Hope they have a fabulous year.

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 19/08/2025 21:58

coxesorangepippin · 19/08/2025 21:38

I actually used to work at McGill!

Which faculty is he applying for??

History and politics. Fingers crossed he gets there. He is/was so excited.

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Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 19/08/2025 21:57

Oiledbeggs · 19/08/2025 21:34

Permit approved this afternoon! Not sure if the web forms made a difference, suspect not but very relieved and DD excited. Hope all those waiting hear soon and they have a great year

That’s fantastic! Congrats and bon voyage. X

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coxesorangepippin · 19/08/2025 21:38

I actually used to work at McGill!

Which faculty is he applying for??

Oiledbeggs · 19/08/2025 21:34

Permit approved this afternoon! Not sure if the web forms made a difference, suspect not but very relieved and DD excited. Hope all those waiting hear soon and they have a great year

Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 18/08/2025 21:24

Oiledbeggs · 17/08/2025 17:16

No help from either Canadian or UK Uni, although I’m not sure what they can do. DD has asked Canadian uni what happens if she misses enrollment date, waiting to hear back. Have been watching the Reddit thread mentioned earlier and there does seem to be some movement in the last few days. It’s frustrating as she was only able to apply for the permit once the Canadian uni issued formal acceptance and that took months after securing the exchange place from the home uni.

So similar. It’s ridiculous.

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Original poster
Radiatorvalves · 18/08/2025 21:23

I had an email from the Chancellor of UCL who is concerned and has agreed that practical solutions need to be provided. Also had an email to say that the deputy Immigration minister in Canada has been briefed about the issue. I see some things are moving but seriously doubt that DS will get visa approved in time. At the moment looks as though he will be applying for an ETA this week and going for one semester. But we will see what the next 2 days bring…

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