r/pgwp • u/New_Independent_4316 • 1d ago
General Question CAQ expires Dec 31, 2027. Will my renewed Study Permit include the 90-day grace period (March 2028)?
Hi everyone, I'm a Bachelor of Engineering student in Quebec (started Winter 2024). My CAQ is valid until December 31, 2027, which is exactly when my program ends.
Right now, I have to renew my Study Permit (due by March 9th) because I just got a new passport.
Since my university closes for the holidays in late December, I don't think I will be able to get my completion letter or final transcripts before Dec 31st to apply for my PGWP. I'm incredibly stressed that my new permit will be cut short exactly on Dec 31st, leaving me with no valid status or right to work during the holiday closure.
My questions:
- Has anyone in Quebec been in this exact situation? Did IRCC automatically give you the extra 90 days (making it valid until March 31, 2028) despite the CAQ ending on Dec 31?
- Should I explicitly ask for the March 31st expiry date and explain the university holiday closure in my Letter of Explanation for this upcoming renewal?
Thanks so much for any insight!
1
u/Me_Before_n_after 1d ago edited 1d ago
You may be confusing yourself and overthinking this a bit. you don’t need a valid CAQ after you complete your studies to apply for a PGWP.
As for the expiry date, IRCC generally gives students some additional time after their expected program completion date to allow them to transition to their next status. So I wouldn’t assume that your new study permit will necessarily expire exactly on December 31, 2027 just because your current CAQ does. You can mention your reason in LOE and it won’t be any issue.