Hi everyone,
My name is Navid, and I am a third-year PhD student in Political Science at Concordia University in Montreal. I am reaching out for help during an unexpected financial emergency caused by complications with my immigration application, which have interrupted my studies and my ability to work.
My journey
I was born in Tehran and left home at seventeen to live in India, where I spent ten years living and working. I later moved to South Korea, where I completed my undergraduate and master's degrees on full scholarships, focusing on international development and poverty in the Global South. Teaching has been an important part of my life, and over the past 15 years, I have taught students of different ages and backgrounds across several countries.
Since 2017, my goal has been to complete my PhD and pursue a career in academia as a lifelong educator. Today, I am in the third year of my doctoral program at Concordia University. I have completed my coursework and comprehensive exams and am currently working on my thesis proposal, which studies the growing power of major corporations and their influence on global politics and the economy.
Beyond my research, I have been actively involved in student initiatives, working to bring people together, strengthen connections, and contribute to the university community. This fall, I was also preparing to teach my first university course, Introduction to International Relations, which was an important step for me as I hope to continue teaching in the years ahead.
What happened
My application to extend my immigration documents encountered difficulties because I could not meet Quebec's increased financial requirements for international students. The required living expense amount had risen from $15,508 to $24,617.
I have since secured additional fellowship funding (which will be available in Spring after I am re-registered at university), bringing my finances to the required level. However, the initial rejection of my immigration application led to my deregistration from the university and, consequently, the loss of my work permit in Canada.
I have reached out to university administrators, immigration assistance organizations, and elected representatives in Quebec to find a solution. Unfortunately, I cannot resume working until the necessary immigration documents are issued and my university registration is restored, which will be in January.
Before this happened, I supported myself through university teaching and research assistantships, alongside other part-time work. Losing that income has left me struggling to cover essential expenses, including rent, groceries, and transportation.
How your support will help
My goal is to raise enough money to cover my basic living expenses through mid-January 2027, when I hope to have my immigration authorization and university registration restored.
My applications are currently being processed, and I am doing everything I can to return to my studies and work as soon as possible. I am also hopeful that I will have the opportunity to teach my first university course once my authorization is restored.
Your contributions will go directly toward my essential living expenses during this period. I have included a breakdown of these costs so that you can see how the funds will be used.
Asking for financial help is difficult, and creating this fundraiser was not an easy decision. But after exhausting the options available to me, I have reached a point where I need to ask for support.
Every contribution, regardless of its size, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with others would also mean a great deal.
If you have any questions about my situation or the expense breakdown, please feel free to contact me at mahlooji2086@gmail.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for your kindness, and for helping me through this difficult period. Your support will help me meet my immediate needs while I work toward continuing the studies and teaching that mean so much to me.
Much love,
Navid Mahlooji
Breakdown of Estimated Expenses
One-time expenses:
Health insurance: $1,171
IRCC (study permit application): $150
Remaining university fees: $115
Living expenses for four months:
Rent, internet, and electricity: $980/month × 4 = $3,920
Groceries and everyday necessities: $600/month × 4 = $2,400
Public transportation (metro): $110/month × 4 = $440
Mobile phone: $48/month × 4 = $192
Total estimated expenses: $8,388 CAD
Fundraising goal: $9,000 CAD
The additional $612 is intended to provide a small financial buffer for unforeseen expenses and possible delays in processing my immigration documents. Even if my authorization to work is restored in January, I do not expect to receive my first income until toward the end of that month.
