Canada has once again proved its commitment to assisting international students in pursuit of Canadian education and work opportunities. In a recent announcement from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) three new measures have been issued regarding Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for international students pursuing their educational programs online due to disruptions from COVID-19. 

• Students may now study online while overseas up until April 30, 2021 without deducting from the length of their PGWP, as long as they complete 50 percent of their studies in Canada.
• Students who have enrolled in an 8 to 12-month program with a start date of May to September 2020 may complete their entire program abroad and remain eligible for a PGWP.
• Students enrolled in a program with a start date between May and September 2020, who choose to study online until April 30, 2021, and who graduate from multiple eligible programs can combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a PGWP, as long as 50 percent of their studies are completed in Canada.

The PGWP allows students who have completed an eligible program from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to obtain a two to three-year work permit after they have graduated. The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of time a student has studied in a DLI.

It is highly sought after by many international students who wish to become permanent residents and  to take advantage of the job opportunities available to them in Canada, allowing them to gain work experience in Canada. Candian education and work experience can lead to eligibility and additional points in certain immigration pathways that lead to permanent residency. 

Prior to the pandemic, online education did not count towards eligibility for the PGWP.

In order for students to be eligible for these new measures, they must submit a study permit application prior to beginning their study program in the spring, summer, fall 2020 semesters, or the January 2021 semester, and must eventually be approved for a study permit. 

As the world continues to adjust to the new normal, the easing of COVID-19 restrictions will depend on the progress made against the virus in Canada and all over the globe. IRCC has announced that they will continue to monitor the situation and assess whether further changes must be made. 

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