Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a series of temporary measures to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts are aimed at maintaining Canada’s commitment to international education while navigating ongoing travel restrictions and public health challenges.
Due to the global spread of COVID-19, the Canadian government has implemented strict travel restrictions, which significantly impact the ability of foreign nationals, including students, to enter the country. At present, only three categories of international students are permitted to travel to Canada: those holding a valid study permit, those whose permits were approved on or before March 18, 2020, and students arriving from the United States.
Recognizing the academic and economic value that international students bring, IRCC has established flexible policies to ensure educational continuity. Key among these is a two-stage study permit application process. This system allows students to begin their studies online while their final documents are still under review. Those who satisfy the first stage—demonstrating acceptance, financial sufficiency, and other eligibility criteria—can start their academic programs remotely while awaiting full approval.
Importantly, IRCC has confirmed that online study time completed outside Canada during the pandemic will still count toward eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a valuable opportunity for international students seeking Canadian work experience post-study.
The PGWP allows graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions to work in Canada for up to three years, with the duration dependent on the length of the academic program. This flexibility is designed to help international students transition into the Canadian workforce, a path that often leads to permanent residency.
To address delays and inaccessibility of application requirements such as biometrics or medical exams, IRCC will continue processing complete applications as efficiently as possible. Students who complete both stages of the permit process can travel to Canada when restrictions ease.
These policy adaptations underline Canada’s strategic effort to retain talent and bolster the country’s educational sector during extraordinary circumstances. While many countries have paused or limited entry for students, Canada maintains its global reputation as a welcoming and supportive destination for international education.
Maple News will continue to follow updates from IRCC on the evolving policies affecting international students and post-graduation opportunities in Canada.