Maple News reports that British Columbia has updated its Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) to better reflect the realities international students faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As of February 2, the province now allows applicants to be eligible for its international graduate immigration streams even if up to 50% of their studies were completed from abroad.
This policy amendment is designed to accommodate students who were forced to study remotely due to pandemic-related travel restrictions. As long as graduates completed at least half of their program while physically present in Canada, they may qualify — regardless of whether their Canadian-based studies happened on campus or online.
Notably, the eligibility requirements apply differently depending on when the applicant graduated. International students who completed their program before March 1, 2020, must have studied at least 50% of their program on-campus in Canada. For those who graduated on or after March 1, 2020, at least half of their education must have been completed while residing in Canada, with no on-campus requirement.
To prove their physical presence in Canada, candidates can submit supporting documents such as tenancy agreements, bank records, or utility bills. However, individuals who pursued their entire studies through distance education — programs primarily delivered online — remain ineligible under the provincial nomination stream.
This adjustment highlights British Columbia’s efforts to support international students and facilitate their transition to permanent residency, recognizing the unique challenges brought by the global health crisis. It also acknowledges the increased reliance on remote learning during pandemic-related institutional shutdowns and travel disruptions.
Meanwhile, international students remain among the exempt categories under Canada’s travel restrictions, provided their designated learning institutions have approved COVID-19 readiness plans. Still, some students continue to face difficulties entering Canada due to border closures and travel limitations, making policy flexibility essential.
With many Canadian institutions offering courses online, this update opens doors for more students to leverage their Canadian education toward permanent residency — even if part of that journey started from home. B.C.’s move aligns with broader national and provincial trends to attract and retain international talent amid ongoing global uncertainty.
Maple News will continue to track policy shifts impacting international students and newcomers to Canada.