International students who are about to begin their Canadian study program will still remain eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) should they choose to enroll in online coursework.
The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for up to three years, giving them the chance to gain Canadian work experience, which is a major advantage in applying for economic class immigration programs that eventually lead to permanent residence.
Normally, studying online would render an applicant ineligible for a PGWP. To qualify for the permit, international students must have continuously studied full time in Canada in a program that is at least eight months long.
With special measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus in place, the Canadian government has developed this temporary reform, among many others, in order to make sure their policies remain flexible and accessible for those seeking to immigrate to the country.
As many courses have been forced to move online to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decided to allow international students enrolled in these courses to still qualify for PGWP.
This move also includes students who have a study permit, or who were approved for a program starting in May or June, but who are unable to travel to Canada due to travel restrictions.
International students can now choose to begin their classes while outside Canada and may complete up to half of their program while abroad if they cannot travel to Canada sooner.
International students who were approved for a study permit after March 18 are currently not exempt from Canada’s travel ban, which is set to be in place until June 30.
IRCC’s temporary reform will be welcomed by the many international students who wish to eventually transition to permanent residence.
