A simple two-step process to study in Canada fall 2020

Canada released new information this morning on how to get a study permit for the fall 2020 academic year.

The coronavirus epidemic has made it difficult for international students to obtain the documents they usually need to obtain a Canadian study permit. The Canadian border is also closed to most international students. Students are only exempt from travel restrictions if their study permit was issued before noon on March 18.

Even so, border officers can deny entry to exempt international students if their programs can be done online. International students still have to be in Canada for an essential reason. If their courses are offered online and they can study from home, this could make their reason for traveling to Canada “optional” or “discretionary”.

However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is introducing a new two-step approval process that will allow international students to start the semester online without a definitive study permit. Today, the Immigration Service released new instructions for its officers on how to make the temporary changes.

IRCC said last week that it intends to process the full study permit applications that have already been submitted as quickly as possible. Students who wish to take advantage of the temporary two-step process have until September 15 to apply for their study permit.

How to get a study permit fall 2020?

The first step is very similar to the regular study permit process. International students must submit:

• Letter of acceptance;
• For Quebec Students only – Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec;
• Proof of funds;
• proof that they can leave Canada when they no longer have temporary or permanent legal status;
• Any family ties to Canada

Immigration officers will assess these applications and issue a pre-approval at their discretion. International students can start their studies at this stage.

To obtain the full study permit and eventually be able to travel to Canada, international students will need to submit:

• Immigration medical examination
• Security-Police certificates
• Biometrics

Students Direct Streams requirements

International students applying under the Direct Student Stream (SDS) are only eligible for the accelerated study permit program if they can submit a full application. Otherwise, they must submit an application as part of the regular process or wait until they can provide all the necessary documents to be eligible for the SDS. IRCC also says there may be delays.

SDS aims to process study permits in 20 days. Currently, international students are eligible if they come from the following seven countries: China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, and Vietnam.

Online study eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permit

The full study permit is required if students wish to complete their program in Canada and possibly apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to work in the country after graduation.

IRCC previously changed the eligibility requirements for the PGWP, as designated educational institutions changed their classroom programs to online. International students will now be able to do half of their program online while still being eligible for the work permit that would allow them to stay in Canada for at least three more years.

The PGWP is important because it enables international students to gain the Canadian work experience they often need to become eligible for permanent residence in Canada. Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are among the many immigration routes available to international students who complete their studies in Canada and gain qualifying work experience.

“The pandemic has had a significant impact on international students and the Canadian institutions and communities that host them,” Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino said in a statement. “This is why we have put in place a series of measures to support them. We value the contribution of young people seeking a high-quality education in Canada and we do everything we can to minimize the impact of current challenges on their plans and dreams for the future.

Reference is taken from CIC News