Maple News reports that Canada has unveiled new policy adjustments to better support international students pursuing education amid ongoing global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These latest measures, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), provide added flexibility to international students who began or are starting their Canadian education programs online due to travel restrictions and health concerns.
The IRCC has introduced three major updates to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program:
1. Students can now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, without losing any eligibility time toward a PGWP — as long as at least 50% of their program is eventually completed inside Canada.
2. Students enrolled in programs between 8 to 12 months in length, starting between May and September 2020, can complete their entire program online from outside Canada and still qualify for a PGWP.
3. International students starting programs in the same May-September 2020 window, and completing multiple eligible programs, can combine their studies to count toward PGWP eligibility, if 50% of their total education is completed in Canada.
The PGWP allows eligible graduates from Canadian designated learning institutions to work anywhere in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. This work experience can significantly boost their chances of obtaining permanent residency through immigration pathways like Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class. Points gained through Canadian work experience are crucial under Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Previously, online education did not contribute to PGWP eligibility. However, recognizing the challenges caused by global lockdowns and travel barriers, IRCC began relaxing these rules earlier in 2020. The latest changes build upon earlier decisions that permitted online studies completed before December 31, 2020, to count toward work permit eligibility.
To benefit from these measures, students need to have submitted a valid study permit application for the spring, summer, or fall 2020 terms, or for the January 2021 term, and ultimately must be approved for the permit.
According to IRCC, these changes aim to maintain Canada’s reputation as a top educational destination while recognizing the limitations imposed by the current global health crisis. The department emphasized that travel-related restrictions will be lifted when public health conditions improve, both domestically and internationally. More updates may follow based on evolving circumstances.
Through these forward-looking policies, Canada ensures that international students can continue investing in their Canadian futures while navigating uncertain times.