On September 22, Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino announced two updates regarding international students who are interested in pursuing further education in Canada. During his online panel, the Minister announced that over 56,000 international students have been approved for the first stage of the new two-step study permit process.
In order to better accommodate international students affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Canada launched a new two-step study permit process to allow students to begin studying online for the fall semester.
First-stage approval means that each of the 56,000 international students who applied have submitted the following documents and received pre-approval:
- 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
- proof of any family ties to Canada.
Prior to the launch of the two-step process, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched new measures that would allow students to remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) despite enrolling in online classes. While the criteria for the PGWP initially did not allow online or distance learning to count towards eligibility, IRCC announced these changes were to accommodate international students unable to travel due to border closures and lockdown restrictions.
Once travel restrictions have been lifted, international students must complete stage two of the new process to receive a full study permit to enter Canada. To receive the full permit, they must submit the following documents:
- Immigration medical examination
- Security-Police certificates
- Biometrics
Aside from the new approvals, the Minister also announced that the federal government would be working closely with Health Canada and various DLIs in order to welcome international students back on their campuses for physical classes.
As of now, the biggest concern is whether or not DLIs will be able to safely quarantine international students, as well as implement strict social distancing guidelines on campus. Canada is currently requiring travelers to quarantine for 14 days, and social distancing remains in strict observance, in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Despite uncertainties regarding when international students will be able to travel to Canada, Minister Mendicino continued to affirm Canada’s commitment to welcoming international students, immigrants, skilled workers, and all sorts of global talent.
“I steadfastly believe that immigration will play a vital role in our economy, as it has in recent years.”
– Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, 2020
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