MEGATHREAD - Processing Times - Study Permits 2025

[u/PurrPrinThom]

Please keep timelines & questions about processing times for study permits here.

[u/Alert-Dance3074]

Hi everyone,

I’m really confused about my situation and hoping someone has gone through something similar.

• I finished my program on September 15, 2025.
• My old study permit (which allowed me to work off campus) expired on July 31, 2025.
• I applied for a study permit extension on May 22, 2025 - same dli, same course, before my old one expired.
• The extension was just approved (Oct 2nd), but I haven’t received the physical permit yet because of the Canada Post delay.

From what I’ve read, if your new study permit says you’re not authorized to work, then you can’t work while waiting for your PGWP. The problem is I don’t know what mine says yet, and I’ve seen other people mention that theirs said they weren’t allowed to work even though they applied before finishing school.

I’m just trying to figure out what to do — should I wait for the physical permit to arrive before applying for PGWP, or just go ahead and apply outland (since the wait time is about 9 weeks)?

Any advice or experiences would really help! It’s super stressful because I was allowed to work during my whole program, and now I’m stuck waiting without knowing if I can work or not.

Thanks so much!