The IRCC has recently announced a few temporary measures for international students, study permits and PGWP (post-graduation work permits). International students who fall under these 3 categories can come to Canada as of now:
- International students having a valid study permit; or
- International students whose study permit got approved on or before 18th March, 2020; or
- International students coming from USA
Study permits
The IRCC has introduced a 2-stage process that makes it possible for international students to start their fall semester online without a finalized study permit.
Those who were not able to submit biometric data, the results of an immigration medical examination, or other documental requirements, can be considered for a study permit.
IRCC has stated that complete study permit applications will be processed at the earliest. Students completing both the stages can enter into Canada when the the travel restrictions will be relaxed or lifted.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Before the epidemic, distance learning was not considered towards PGWP eligibility. IRCC made has now temporarily allowed online learning to be counted for PGWP eligibility.
Students can now study online from outside Canada up to 30th April 2021, without their eligibility for PGWP getting impacted. However, they should complete at least half of their program in Canada. Moreover, students who are pursuing a program of 8 to 12 months of duration that commenced in the spring, summer or fall semesters of the year 2020 can apply for a PGWP despite of completing the whole program outside Canada.
Ultimately, students who took admission in a study program that began between May and September 2020, who study online until 30th April 2021 and who graduate from more than one study program, can merge the total term of their study programs while applying for a PGWP.
Students who are already in Canada
IRCC stated that students who are in Canada for the winter, spring and summer semesters won’t be losing their eligibility for a PGWP even if they have to finish over 50% of their studies online.