Hey everyone,

I applied for my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in early May, but it was refused on September 19th because I was deemed not a full-time student, despite graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) as a full-time student. I submitted proof of my status and an explanation letter on October 1st as part of a RECONSIDERATION request.

I called the IRCC helpline on November 28th to check the status and learned that my request is categorized as additional documents, not a reconsideration. The agent forwarded my request to the responsible office regarding my case by now I’m feeling anxious since my study permit expired on August 30th, leaving me unable to work and struggling financially. The IRCC agent also advised me to apply for restoration of status and reapply for the PGWP. I do not have enough money to pay a lawyer.

I did my own research and found a page https://eservices.cic.gc.ca/epay/order.do?category=17 about paying the restoration fee, but I need clarity on whether to apply as a visitor or a student since I've completed my studies in April. Should I just pay the restoration fee using the link and attach the receipt to my new PGWP application? Any guidance would be appreciated. AM I on the right path for the restoration process?

I am optimistic about my reconsideration letter and the proof I have provided but in case given the time frame and to be on the safe side, I choose to take a step forward and reapply for my PGWP when I still have a chance.

Thank you feed!

For the last few years the village I reside in has put on a tree lighting ceremony on the 1st of December. During this ceremony they shoot streamers, confetti and glitter all over the street. I’ve had to clean the trash myself as no one else in this village can be bothered to do so. I’ve addressed this with the mayor of my village with my environmental concerns and have basically just been told that if I’m worried about it I can clean it up. Last year I worked a lot immediately after and the trash was left there for weeks. The ceremony for this year just finished (it’s right outside my window) and I’m absolutely fuming. Can someone please tell me if and who I can report this to? I plan on taking pictures in the morning when I go out to see the damage and start my cleaning process on my weekend (I’m a server while in school for wildlife biology so I work Wednesday-Sunday). Any and all help much appreciated.

Hello everyone,

To introduce myself, I am a Master's student in Environmental Science with a Bachelor's degree in Biology. I also completed a two-month internship on the reintroduction of the yellow-bellied toad in Belgium.

I have several questions.

First, I saw an internship offer at the IUCN office in Brussels last August to which I applied, but I never received a response, even though the internship was supposed to start in October. I recently saw another internship offer at the same office this month, which is expected to start in February, and I applied again. How can I ensure I get a response, even if it's negative, and avoid being left in limbo? I am placing a lot of hope in this internship, as it would be an incredible gateway to start a career in nature conservation.

Most of the offers I see are usually for volunteer work. Do you have any suggestions on where I can look or institutions I can contact to find paid internships? I know that if the internship or organization is located in a European territory (even places like Curaçao, Guadeloupe, or French Polynesia), I can finance the internship with an Erasmus scholarship. I am totally willing to relocate and be in nature to gain experience.

Also, I wanted to ask what your positions are and the corresponding salaries? I’m trying to understand the job market and the mobility that comes with it.

I am a 27 yr old graduate zoologist and I am desperate to have a career in conservation/wildlife, always have been. Life just hasn’t turned out that way for me so far and I have lost a few years due to Covid and now i am nearing 30 in an environmental consultancy job that I really loathe so I want to make the change.

My question is am I too old to start a career in conservation? I don’t have much experience just my BSc and some voluntary work in Laos back in 2018. And I have worked for this company for the past 5 years. I don’t even know where to start looking for jobs.

All I know is, I definitely would want to be based abroad not in the U.K. and I like to stay active not desk based as that is what I do now.

I would love some honesty and some advice if someone could take the time to educate me! Also how important is QGIS and should I prioritise my time learning it back to front? What does the day in the life of a conservationist/zoologist actually look like? Anything would be really helpful!

Ps have tried connecting with others on LinkedIn nobody ever seems to get back to me!

TIA 🙂

I'm looking to protect the environment specifically from human activity like pollution, deforestation etc. to protect animals, humans and nature. I'd like to help come up with plans and implement them in the environment. What exactly should I look into? Thanks.