International students unable to travel to Canada because of travel restrictions may now start their programs online and qualify to work in Canada after their graduation under the new measures being adapted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
IRCC issued the new Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) measures to address the concerns of international students who are stuck in their countries because lockdowns, or travel restrictions.
ALL you need to know about coming to Canada as an International Student
More flexibility for international students
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, PGWP were awarded to students who 1) completed at least 8 months of academic, vocational or professional training program at a Designated Learning Institution with PGWP-eligible programs; 2) maintained full time student status in Canada; and 3) received their transcripts and official letters as evidence that they have completed their studies.
The length of the PGWP awarded is generally the same as the length of time of the studies for those with programs that are more than 8 months but under 2 years. PGWP may be issued for 3 years for those who have completed study programs that are 2 years or longer.
The adaption of the new PGWP measures now allow international students to:
- Study online from abroad (or their own countries) until April 30, 2021 without affecting the length of time of a future PGWP. However, students need to complete 50% of their studies in Canada.
- Complete their entire program online and qualify for PGWP if they are enrolled in programs that is between 8-12 months in length which have started between May, 2020 – September, 2020.
- Combine the length of 2 programs of study which had a start date from May to September, 2020 up to April 30, 2021 when they apply for a PGWP, provided that 50% of their studies are completed in Canada.
To benefit from these measures international students must have submitted study permit applications during the spring, summer or fall semesters of 2020; or during the winter semester that would start on January, 2021, and must eventually have approved study permits.
We are now accepting applications for the January, 2021 intake as a recruiting partner that has access to Canada-wide colleges and universities. Contact us today for an assessment of your eligibility as an international student.
