Maple News reports that Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has announced that Canada has already approved 56,000 study permits under the first stage of its new international student application process. This milestone offers a strong signal to students around the world that Canada remains committed to welcoming them, even amid ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking during a webinar update focused on international education, Minister Mendicino emphasized that these approvals mark significant progress in Canada’s effort to support international students. The first-stage approval allows students to begin their studies online with assurance that their application is progressing, even if they are still outside Canada.
In a second key update, the Minister confirmed that federal authorities, particularly Health Canada, continue to work closely with designated learning institutions (DLIs) to prepare for the safe return of international students to physical campuses. DLIs—colleges, universities, and other federally recognized institutions—must develop comprehensive health plans, including quarantine protocols and social distancing measures.
According to Minister Mendicino, Health Minister Patty Hajdu is spearheading efforts to ensure every DLI complies with provincial and territorial public health requirements before receiving authorization to admit international students in person. This coordinated strategy is designed to protect the health and safety of international and Canadian students alike.
Due to Canada’s current travel restrictions, most international students are still unable to enter the country. Nonetheless, ongoing discussions between DLIs, Health Canada, and provincial governments aim to determine whether institutions can safely implement quarantine and distancing procedures, potentially allowing in-person arrivals in the near future.
Under current Canadian law, most travelers arriving from abroad—including international students—must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Provinces and territories have also implemented strict public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. While Canada has largely managed the pandemic well, there has been an uptick in case numbers in recent weeks.
These efforts underscore Canada’s continued commitment to maintaining its reputation as a top destination for international education. The first-stage approval process, introduced to provide flexibility during the pandemic, allows students to begin remote learning while navigating travel limitations and health considerations.
International students contribute significantly to Canada’s academic, cultural, and economic life. With safety protocols in place and cooperation across federal and provincial lines, the country is taking careful steps to uphold both public health and educational priorities amid the global health crisis.