Canada is a popular place for international students to study. In 2019, more than 650,000 international students pursued their post-secondary education in the country. However, as we approach the 2020-21 academic year, many international students are facing concerns due to new requirements and immigration restrictions that are related to COVID-19.
To address these concerns, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced measures that will help international students pursue their education in Canada with a new online program. This year, students can benefit from fast-tracked processing of their study permits and a temporary two-stage process for those who are unable to submit the required documentation.
IRCC expects this new program will alleviate concerns for international students who have already enrolled in Canadian institutions but are not sure if they will receive their study permit in time for their courses to begin.
Here’s what you need to know about the new measures for international students:
- The new process is available to students who will begin a study program in the fall semester. The study permit application must be submitted before September 15, 2020.
- To ensure study permits are processed as quickly as possible, students who submitted their complete applications online will be given priority.
- If a student submitted a study permit application and completed at least 50 percent of their academic program in Canada, they will be allowed to count the time they spent studying online while outside the country toward their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. This benefit will apply to students if they can satisfy all requirements and their study permit application is fully approved at a later date.
- The temporary two-stage approval process will alleviate concerns for international students who are unable to submit all required documentation with their study permit applications. The IRCC expects student applications will be completed as services begin to reopen. They explained, “applicants will be required to submit remaining documents and receive an approved study permit before being allowed to travel to Canada”.
- The first stage of eligibility requires students to show they have been accepted at a Canadian institution for study. They also must provide evidence that they have available funds for their studies in Canada.
- IRCC will grant final approval when students meet all admissibility requirements, which include submitting biometrics, an immigration medical exam, and a police certificate.
Canada values the contributions that international students make in our society each year. Therefore, the country is making every effort to address the concerns of international students in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
If you are an international student with questions or concerns related to your study permit application, JT Immigration is here to help. Contact us as soon as possible, and we will help you pursue your application and make sure you meet the necessary requirements within the new guidelines from IRCC.