A member's friend had studies ending April 16, with their study permit expiring April 30 — only about 15 days apart, and finishing their 2-year program with no plans to study further. They asked whether that 15-day gap was enough, or whether a study permit extension was needed.
What the thread clarified:- You can't apply for a work permit (PGWP) before receiving your final transcript, and that typically takes time to be issued after your last day of classes. A 15-day window is often not enough to guarantee you'll have the transcript in hand before your permit expires.
- Even though your friend isn't planning to study further, a study permit extension is still the correct move — this is just to bridge the gap until the final transcript arrives, not a commitment to more studies.
- This is an extension of the existing study permit, not a brand-new study permit application — so a new Letter of Acceptance is not required, since you're not enrolling in a new program.
The practical takeaway: if your study permit's expiry is close behind your program's end date, apply for a study permit extension (not a new permit, and without needing a new LOA) to bridge the gap until you actually receive your final transcript and can apply for PGWP.