IRCC Updates Policy for International Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Federal government of Canada has taken special measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the immigration process.

The Canadian government has introduced travel restrictions and temporary changes to immigration policy. However, IRCC – Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, remains committed to meeting the needs of international students and other temporary and permanent residents.

The following is a summary of important developments related to international students and immigration during the current coronavirus pandemic:

I have a study permit or work permit that will expire in the coming weeks and I am unable to obtain a new passport or access required documents. Will I be given an extension?

International students in Canada must apply online to renew their license to trigger implied status. This would allow them to continue their studies or work in Canada while their application is being processed.

In addition, applicants who are unable to access the required documents or obtain their biometrics must attach an explanatory letter detailing the situation.

For incomplete applications, it will not be refused and the applicant will have 90 days to submit their documents.

Will my study permit take longer to be processed due to COVID-19?

IRCC will continue to process study permit applications, but there may be processing delays.

I have had my May acceptance deferred to September. Will I need a new Letter of Acceptance?

If you are in Canada at the time of the postponement, you must begin your studies within 150 days of the date of the postponement, or the following semester, whichever comes first.

If this is not possible, you will have to change your status – like, to visitor status, or leave the country.

I have a study permit or have been approved for one, and will start online courses in summer or fall 2020. Will this affect my future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility?

You can start your courses outside of Canada and complete up to 50% of your program. In this case, you will remain eligible for the PGWP and you will have no time deducted from the duration of your future PGWP, until December 31, 2020.

If I am starting my courses online, do I have to be a full-time student to maintain future PGWP eligibility?

Yes. You are expected to study full-time unless your Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is currently unable to offer full-time study.

I am a new graduate with implied status awaiting a decision for my PGWP application. I also have a job offer letter. Will I be allowed to come to Canada?

If your study permit is no longer valid, you will need a letter of introduction to be exempt from travel restrictions. An introductory letter is a letter you receive from IRCC once you have been approved for the PGWP.

What would be the impact to my PGWP eligibility if my courses moved online and will now account for more than 50% of my overall study?

If you were already in Canada and your course or program went online due to COVID-19, you may still be eligible for the PGWP, even if your online study now represents more than 50% of your overall study.

If I start my studies online from abroad without an approved study permit, will this time be included towards a future PGWP application?

No. Time spent studying online from abroad without a valid study permit or approval will not count towards your eligibility for PGWP.

I am an international student and I have accessed the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Will I still be eligible to apply for PGWP or Permanent Residence (PR)?

If you have accessed CERB, this will not affect your eligibility for PGWP or Canada PR Visa.

My son, daughter, or dependent is a minor with a valid study permit. Am I allowed to come to Canada?

Immediate family members of residents who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents are exempt from travel restrictions and may be allowed to come to Canada.

However, before coming to Canada, you must first obtain authorization from IRCC in order to board a flight. To do this, submit a request by sending an email to IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca

In addition, if you do not already have a temporary visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA), you will need to apply for it first.

Can I work full-time if my semester is suspended?

A suspended semester is not considered a scheduled break. Consequently, you will only be able to work the same number of authorized hours indicated on your study permit.

Reference is taken from CIC News