Following their recent announcement to incorporate special measures to accommodate international students, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada released further details regarding the new two-step approval process for international students interested in applying for Canada’s 2020 fall semester.

The faster process will allow students to enroll for online classes this semester without a finalized study permit. The IRCC recently released further instructions for students hoping to take advantage of the faster process. Those who wish to do so have until September 15 to complete their study permit application. 

The first stage of the two-step process is similar to the regular study permit process. 

International students must submit the following requirements to be reviewed by an immigration officer:

• letter of acceptance;
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (for Quebec students only);
• proof of funds;
• proof that they can leave Canada when they no longer have legal temporary or permanent status; and
• any family ties to Canada.

Students who are issued pre-approval during this stage may begin studying online.

In order to receive the full study permit that will allow them to travel to Canada, international students are required to submit: 

• Immigration medical examination
• Security-Police certificates
• Biometrics

International students who are applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS) will only be eligible for the expedited process if they are able to submit a completed application. Unless they are able to do so, they must either apply for the regular process or wait until they can submit all the required documents needed to be eligible for the SDS. However, IRCC has acknowledged there may be some delays. 

International students from these seven countries are eligible for SDS: Philippines, Vietnam, China, India, Morocco, and Senegal. The SDS aims to process study permit applications in 20 days. 

The two-step process aims to help international students begin their Canadian education sooner. Those who take advantage of the program to enroll in online classes will still remain eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit, provided that they are able to receive a full study permit allowing them enter Canada, in order for them to complete at least 50% of their education in Canada. 

If you’d like to know more about Enhance Visa and our Study Pathway, register to one of our private online discussions. Register to an orientation for free here.