Study Permit Applications impacted by COVID-19 – 3 new recent changes to facilitate remote learning for students

The Government of Canada recently announced three new measures for study permit applications impacted by COVID-19 in order to better assist foreign nationals who are enrolled in a program for fall 2020.

What are the new measures for study permit applications impacted by COVID-19?

Students who are enrolled in a program for the fall semester and who submit a study permit application before September 15, 2020, will benefit from the following new measures:

• provide priority study permit processing for students who have submitted a complete application online.
• allow students to count the time spent pursuing their studies online abroad toward their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, if they have submitted a study permit application and if at least 50% of their program is completed in Canada
• provide reassurances to international students who cannot submit all of the documentation needed to complete processing of their applications, and who choose to pursue programs through distance learning, by implementing a temporary 2-stage approval process

These temporary measures allow applicants to count the time spent studying online abroad towards their post-graduation work permit once they receive an approval-in-principle, as long as they are able to satisfy all requirements and receive the full approval of their study permit application at a later date. 

Fore more information see this announcement by Minister Mendicino.

Other resources for study permit holders affected by COVID-19, see Measures to support international students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For general requirements about study permits see this article.

Please note that this should not be construed as Legal Advice. This is General Information and should not be acted on.