These new measures, which apply to anyone applying for a student permit before September 15, 2020, are in addition to the already relaxed requirements for candidates who wish to study in Canada.
Easing of post-graduate work permit requirements
Students will be allowed to count their online studies abroad towards an open post-graduate work permit (PGWP) if at least 50% of their studies were in Canada.
Two-stage student permit applications
For students wishing to start their Canadian studies in the fall of 2020, IRCC is allowing a two-stage student permit application. Applicants that are unable to submit a complete student permit application, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will receive an “approval-in-principle” of a student permit. This approval will allow students to start their program studying in Canada while studying online and in their home country.
To receive approval-in-principle, students need to demonstrate that they have been accepted by a designated learning institute in Canada and have the means to pay for it.
Students will need to provide a complete application including biometrics, a medical examination, and police background checks before they will be allowed to enter the country for in-person classes.
Priority support for applicants who have submitted complete applications
IRCC is providing priority study-permit processing for students who have submitted a complete application online, to ensure that permits are processed as quickly as possible
Studying in Canada quick facts
- In 2019, Canada hosted over 650,000 international students at the post-secondary education level.
- More than 58,000 former international students have become Canadian permanent residents.
- Studying in Canada opens a lot of doors to immigrating to Canada permanently, whether they be through a provincial nominee program or through a federal immigration program.