Canada has introduced several new measures to assist those seeking to study and work in the country after graduation.
The changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility means students are able to conduct a portion of their studies online and still qualify for the permit.
Travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19 have prevented many international students from travelling to Canada for the start of the new academic year. The new measures are designed to accommodate those who are unable to physically be present on campus, but still wish to pursue post-graduation work opportunities in Canada, which were previously conditional on physical presence in the country.
From now on, international students enrolled at Canadian universities can study online while overseas up until April 30, 2021 with no time deducted from the length of their PGWP, on the condition that they complete 50 per cent of their studies in Canada.
Students who have signed up for a program that lasts between 8-12 months and starts from May to September 2020 will be able to complete their entire course abroad and still be eligible for a PGWP.
Additionally, those who enrolled in a program with a start date between May and September 2020, study online up to April 30 2021, and who graduate from more than one eligible course, may be allowed to combine the length of their courses when they apply for a PGWP, provided that 50 per cent of the studies are completed in Canada.
To be eligible for these measures, students must submit a study permit application before starting their programme of study.
The PGWP is a highly coveted programme which allows international students to remain in Canada and work for any Canadian employer for up to three years.
The measures follow similar changes made by the UK government in June, which saw international students remain eligible for the Graduate Immigration Route if they begin or continue their education online for the 2020/21 academic year.
To find out more, visit the Canadian government website.
