Combining two study programs (a '1+1' pathway) to qualify for a 3-year PGWP raises a natural question when there's a gap between the two programs — here, about 4 months between finishing the first course and starting the second.
What members clarified:- A gap of this length between the two combined programs was not expected to reduce your PGWP length — members indicated you would still be eligible for the full 3-year PGWP based on the combined program length, rather than having the gap deducted from it.
- Apply for your study permit extension immediately once you have your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the second program and have paid the required fees — don't wait until close to when the second program starts.
- A real risk to plan for: if your study permit extension isn't approved before your second program begins, you may need a contingency plan — members raised this as an open risk worth preparing for, even though the PGWP length itself shouldn't be affected by the gap.
Takeaway: a short gap between combined programs shouldn't cost you PGWP length, but apply for your permit extension the moment you have your second LOA to avoid a status gap.