Recognizing the importance of international students to the socioeconomic life of the country, Canada recently released an overview of the temporary measures currently in place for international students, study permits, and post-graduation work permits. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) posted the information regarding the temporary measures on the Government of Canada website. 

These measures were created to accommodate international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and cover travel restrictions, the temporary study permit process, and changes made to allow students to remain eligible for post-graduation work permits. 

Travel Restrictions:

In order to combat the spread of the coronavirus, Canada officially closed their borders on March 18, 2020, and have yet to reopen them. However, some allowances were made for certain individuals, including international students. Under the federal government’s Order-in-Council, only international students in these three categories are currently allowed to enter Canada: 

• International students with a valid study permit; or 
• International students approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020; or 
• International students coming from the United States.

Study Permits: 

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many international students have had a difficult time obtaining the necessary documents needed to apply for a Canadian study permit. 

In order to accommodate them, the IRCC recently enacted a two-stage approval process that allowed international students to enroll for the fall semester online despite not receiving a final study permit. 

Students who were able to complete the first step of the process will have succeeded in submitting most of the requirements for a study permit. Those unable to submit the following documents may still be considered for a permit: 

• Immigration medical examination
• Security-Police certificates
• Biometrics

IRCC is currently working to process completed applications as soon as possible. 

Once travel restrictions have been lifted, students who were able to complete the two-step process can enter Canada.   

Post-Graduation Work Permit: 

International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which will allow them to seek out job opportunities in Canada for at least two to three years, depending on the duration of their study program.

Prior to the pandemic, online and distance learning initially did not count towards PGWP eligibility, but over the last few months, IRCC has announced several measures to accommodate students affected by quarantine and travel protocol: 

• 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.

International Students Currently in Canada: 

Meanwhile, PGWP eligibility is a little different for international students currently in Canada. IRCC has stated that international students in Canada for the winter, spring and summer terms will still remain eligible for a PGWP despite having to complete more than 50 percent of their program online, choose to study part-time, or take a full break due to restrictions imposed on in-class learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite the current circumstances, Canada continues to accommodate international students accordingly, affirming their commitment to ensuring international students are able to take secure opportunities within the country. 

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