The government of Canada recently updated the public policy for all international students that are enrolled and or will be enrolled in the upcoming intakes for program(s) in Canada.
What does this mean?
Students who were enrolled in a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligible program that started in March 2020 or will be enrolled in a program in Spring 2021, including enrolment for the fall 2021 intake, and are currently in the progress of studying in their country of residence are NOT required to complete 50% of their program of study in Canada.
If this applies to you, up to 100% of your program can be completed online from outside of Canada.
How can I ensure I get my PGWP for the full duration of my program?
The duration spent studying outside of Canada can be counted towards the overall length of the post-graduation work permit until December 31, 2021.
This means that you must enter Canada by no later than December 31st, 2021, to ensure that the duration of your post-graduate work permit will not be affected.
What if I Cannot Enter into the Country by December 31st, 2021?
If you cannot enter Canada by the said date, the length of time completing your program after this date, will be deducted from your post graduate work permit.
For example, if you started your program in May 2021, and you are unable to enter Canada by December 31st, 2021, and you continue studying online from your country of residence until May 2022, then the 5 months that you remained in your country of residence will be deducted from the length of time that your PGWP will be granted.
While it is always at the discretion of the visa officer to determine the duration of your PGWP and it is normally granted for the same duration as the program of study completed, this new public policy is important to keep in mind.
Nadia Bhuptani
Lauren Boorman
