Canada gives more flexibility to those who have study and work permits

Three new things have been introduced to assist people in pursuing studies and working opportunities in Canada in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) has launched the following three implementations on PGWP (Post Graduation Work Permit) eligibility criteria for international students who want to pursue their educational programs online due to the pandemic.

1. Until April 30, 2021, the student can pursue their studies in online mode if they are in other countries. No time will be deducted from their PGWP period if they complete at least 50% of their education in Canada.

2. If the students are signed up for an educational program that lasts 8 to 12 months, starting from May to September 2020 can complete their entire program by staying in their home countries and still remain eligible for a PGWP.

3. Students whose program will start between May and September of 2020 and study in online mode until April 30, 2021, and who graduate in more than one program can combine the length of their programs when they are applying for a PGWP if they have completed at least 50% of their course in Canada.

PGWP is one of the most awaited programs among individuals who complete their studies in Canada. A student can apply for a PGWP for a maximum of three years after completing their studies in a Canadian university or college. Anyway, the duration of a PGWP depends upon how much time a student has spent at a Canadian University.

PGWP aids the former international students to work for a Canadian employer. Through this program, many students who wish to become Canadian permanent resident can improve their work experience and enhance their future permanent residency chances.

Canadian experience is a very crucial factor for Canadian immigration pathways such as Express Entry and Provincial Nomination Program. The experience will also add points to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)score.

Many students are unable to enter Canada right now because of the travel restrictions of the country due to coronavirus. This has become a huge problem as the time spent in distance learning cannot be counted towards the PGWP eligibility criteria.

IRCC made a number of announcements in order to combine the time spent in online learning in the eligibility of PGWP.

IRCC announced that online studying would be added to the eligibility of the PGWP.

To become eligible for these announcements, the student should have submitted an application to get a study permit before starting an educational course in either spring or summer or fall semester of 2020 or for the January semester of 2021. Students should get an approved study permit.

IRCC concluded the announcement by saying that the travel restrictions will be eased if the spread of the coronavirus is curbed. IRCC will keep monitoring the international students' situation and will explore any further changes.