International students can pursue their studies online from outside Canada, until August 2023
After consultation with provinces/territories and education stakeholders, IRCC decided to extend its distance learning measures. International students can now pursue their studies online from outside Canada while remaining eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), until August 31, 2023. “But they are being reduced in scope,” said the institution.
As we transition back to pre-pandemic requirements, we encourage international students to come back to Canada. A transition period is available for those who may need some time to do so.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – August 25, 2022 – Ottawa
International students studying online from abroad or who submit a study permit application no later than August 31, 2022, are allowed to complete up to 100% of their program online without affecting their PGWP eligibility. However, study time completed from abroad starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of their PGWP. This, regardless of when a student began their studies.
Table of contents
About the transition period for distance learning measures
According to IRCC, the extension of temporary distance learning measures will affect those starting programs from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Specifically, these measures will apply:
- No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- Studies completed online (outside Canada) starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
Some study permit applications won’t be processed on time
Although the Canadian government will prioritize study permit applications, some international students may not have their applications processed on time. Therefore, they won’t be able to begin their studies in person for the fall 2022 intake period.
According to IRCC, responding to humanitarian crises and updating aging technology have led to processing delays and longer wait times.
Source: IRCC
In 2021, IRCC finalized almost 560,000 study permit applications, surpassing its previous record from 2019 by 31%. IRCC is already outpacing that number in 2022, with almost 360,000 study permits finalized between January 1 and July 31, 2022, compared to about 306,000 finalized in the same period in 2021. However, at the end of July, about 54% of applications in IRCC inventories were considered in the backlog.
Other measures for International Students
- International students will be allowed work off-Campus over 20 hours
From November 15, 2022 until December 31, 2023, international students who are in Canada and have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will be allowed to work over 20 hours per week off-campus while class is in session. There is no limit on maximum number of hours that a student can work. However, the Minister emphasized that study permit holders are still expected to balance their study and work commitments. More Info.
- Former international students can now apply for new open work permit
International students with expiring post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) between September 20th, 2021 and December 31, 2022, can now apply for an additional open work permit of 18 months. Also, those currently in Canada will have the ability to work in the interim period while they wait for their permits. More info.
- International Students in private Quebec colleges won’t be eligible for PGWP
Graduates of unsubsidized private learning institutions in Quebec won’t be able to access the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) starting September 1, 2023. According to the federal government, the measure is intended to protect the integrity of the international student program in Quebec. Moreover, the measure aligns the PGWP eligibility rules for Quebec with those in effect in other provinces. More Info.
Help for International graduates!
For Post Graduate Work Permits or other international student or graduate options, fill out the following form. Alternatively, please book a consultation session. If you are not an international student or graduate in Canada, fill out our assessment form.
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