🔍
author Image

Measures in place to support international students in Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released a summary of temporary measures currently in effect for international students, study permits and post-graduation work permits. 

The introduction of strict travel restrictions introduced to manage the outbreak of the coronavirus has had a profound impact on Canada’s immigration programs in recent months. Travel restrictions limit, among other things, the entry of international students into Canada. Under the federal government’s Order-in-Council, only international students who fall under these three categories can enter Canada at the moment: 

  • International students with a valid study permit; or 
  • International students approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020; or 
  • International students coming from the United States.

Canada recognizes the important contribution that international students make to the social and economic life of the country. That is why it has put in place a number of measures to ensure that international students who choose to study in Canada can do so. The changes include a two-stage study permit process and the ability to begin studies online, with this time counted towards the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

For those who are following these changes, or whose applications may be affected by them, here is a consolidated overview of current temporary policies regarding studies in Canada.

The information is based on the latest backgrounder listing facilitative measures to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic published on the Government of Canada website.