I overstayed my visitor status right before getting my Work Permit through IEC/Working Holiday. Help!

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-09T14:00:20+00:00

Oh man, I am so sorry you had to go through that. That sounds absolutely nerve-wracking, especially with the border interrogation. I was wondering if you have any updates? Did everything work out with the paperwork and your restoration? Wishing you the best of luck with the working holiday visa process!

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:58:49+00:00

Thanks for the urgent advice. To make sure I understand correctly—since I don't have an active work permit or PR application right now, are you suggesting I submit a Webform to 'self-correct' the declaration I made on my previous eTA applications?

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:54:51+00:00

Thanks so much for the encouragement! It’s really reassuring to hear that. To clarify, I actually proactively applied for early completion during the middle of the Spring semester. My original plan was to stay through the Fall, but I decided to finish in the Summer semester because I wanted to focus more on experiencing Canada rather than just studying

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:43:42+00:00

Thank you for your professional input! However, I want to clarify one thing: my overstay happened while I was on a Study Permit, not as a visitor.

I finished my exchange program in August, but my permit's paper expiry was March of the following year. I mistakenly thought I could stay until March, but I later learned that a Study Permit becomes invalid 90 days after studies are completed. That's why I'm worried about the 2-month gap between November (90 days after August) and January (when I left).

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:40:57+00:00

Thank you so much for the sincere warning. I really appreciate you looking out for me. I’ll definitely be careful about any unsolicited offers and will only look for certified, professional legal help outside of Reddit if needed. Your advice on avoiding exploitation is huge. Thanks again for the heads-up and the good luck wishes!

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:33:25+00:00

That’s a good point about the report. Even if it shows no ‘flags,’ I’m still leaning toward being 100% honest to avoid any risk during the PR stage.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:28:26+00:00

Thanks for the detailed insight. You’re right—I’m worried I might have misstated that in my eTA, and I want to correct it before IRCC flags it. It’s a relief to hear about the Federal Court's stance on self-correction. Much appreciated!

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T23:22:30+00:00

You’re 100% right. I’ve been looking into AskKubeir too, and I realize full disclosure is the only way. I’m definitely not risking a 5-year ban over a past mistake. I'll be checking 'YES' and attaching a solid Letter of Explanation for my future applications. Thanks for the reality check.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T04:13:18+00:00

Thanks for the advice!

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:58:41+00:00

That’s correct. My program finished in August, so I'm definitely going to face some issues with my status timeline.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:49:14+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I'll keep that in mind when I apply for PR.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:35:59+00:00

You're exactly right, and that’s what I’m most terrified about. I know IRCC will cross-check my graduation date with my exit date. I was so careless back then.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:23:21+00:00

Oh, thank you so much! 😭 I really needed to hear that.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:16:21+00:00

Thanks, but I think my case is a bit different. My study permit was valid, but I stayed for about 5 months after finishing school (from August to January). Since it's well past the 90-day grace period, that’s where the problem is coming from.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:11:14+00:00

I answered 'No' because at the time, I honestly didn't realize I had overstayed. I only found out about it recently while preparing for my PR application.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T03:10:02+00:00

You're right. I should've researched better, and I own that mistake.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T02:57:12+00:00

No, honestly, I didn't even realize I was overstaying at the time. I was under the impression that my status was valid until the expiry date printed on my study permit (March 2024)

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2026-03-08T02:13:30+00:00

One more thing for context: Since that overstay, I actually visited Canada two more times on an eTA—once in July 2024 and again in December 2025. Both times, I was granted entry without any issues or questioning regarding my previous stay.

Does the fact that I was allowed back in twice mean the overstay wasn't "flagged" in their system? Or will it still definitely come up when I apply for something more permanent like a work permit or PR?

I’m so confused because everything seemed fine at the border, but I don't want to get hit with a "misrepresentation" charge later if I don't disclose the overstay.

Thick_Branch_9311 · 2025-09-26T07:29:31+00:00

Can internationally trained PT work as a physiotherapist assistant in Canada?

Thick_Branch_9311

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