Canada Announces New Measures on Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility for International Students Studying Online During COVID-19

Canada announces 3 new measures around Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility to respond to the uncertainties for international students during COVID-19. These measures provide flexibility
Post Graduate Work Permit Eligibility
On August 26th 2020 – Canada announced 3 new measures around Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility to respond to the uncertainties for international students during COVID-19. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made these changes to provide more flexibility on eligibility rules for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) for students who need to start their education online from outside Canada due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As per the press release by IRCC, the changes are as follows:

  1. Students may now study online from abroad until April 30, 2021, with no time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit, provided 50% of their program of study is eventually completed in Canada.
  2. Students who have enrolled in a program that is between 8 and 12 months in length, with a start date from May to September 2020, will be able to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
  3. Students who have enrolled in a program with a start date from May to September 2020 and study online up to April 30, 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible program of study, may be able to combine the length of their programs of study when they apply for a post-graduation work permit in the future, as long as 50% of their total studies are completed in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for these measures, students must have submitted a study permit application before starting a program of study in the spring, summer, or fall 2020 semester, or the January 2021 semester. All students must eventually be approved for a study permit.

International Students Face Uncertainty During COVID-19

This announcement comes in the midst of uncertainty around admissions, study permit approvals, and online class delivery for the September 2020 and January 2021 intake due to COVID-19. The current travel restrictions mean that students cannot enter Canada at the moment and have to complete studies online. This is particularly problematic because prior to the pandemic, distancing learning did not count towards PGWP eligibility. Given the current situation, however, IRCC has announced measures to be more flexible and enabled online learning to count towards PGWP eligibility.

The Importance of the Post Graduate Work Permit for International Students

The Post-Graduate Work Permit is an essential benefit of pursuing education in Canada. After a student completes their program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) they can obtain a PGWP for up to 3 years. The PGWP enables international students to work for a Canadian employer after completing their education, giving them the opportunity to get Canadian work experience with Canadian employers.

This Canadian work experience is an important step for international students looking to get their permanent residency and settle in Canada. It makes them eligible for certain immigration pathways such as Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class program. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) also awards additional points with Canadian experience.

In their news release, IRCC concluded that the easing of COVID-19 related restrictions will depend on the progress made in Canada and around the world in containing the spread of the coronavirus. IRCC will continue to closely monitor the situation and assess whether further changes are needed.

Are you an international student looking to study in Canada? Given the measures taken by IRCC around PGWP eligibility, you can apply for studying in Canada as soon as Jan 2021. 

Are you looking to understand your options for immigration post COVID-19? We can help. Book a consultation to get a full profile assessment and to determine the best strategy for your immigration to Canada

Disclaimer

Please note that none of the information on this website should be construed as being legal advice. As well, you should not rely on any of the information contained in this website when determining whether and how to apply to a given program.
Canadian immigration law is constantly changing, and the information above may be outdated.
If you have a question about the contents of this blog, or any question about Canadian immigration law, please contact the Author. Please book a consultation if you would like to get answers to general immigration questions and advice specific to your situation.

About Chitra & Associates

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc. is an Immigration Consulting company specialising in Canadian Immigration and Visa Services. We provide services in the area of Economic Immigration, permanent residency for Canada for Individuals, Business Immigration, work permits, visitor visas, study permits, and much more.

Get in touch with us!

Recent Posts

Sign up for our Newsletter

Stay up to date with Canadian immigration news. 

Schedule a Visit

Chitra & Associates Immigration Consultants Inc.

Please note that the walk-in appointments are ONLY to inquire about our services and pricing. If you would like advise specific to your situation, additional charges will apply. If you would like to book a paid consultation and check our prices, you can do so at this link. When you walk in, you can sign up for our services. Please bring the appropriate documentation in order to get started.
Call Now