Given the unprecedented impact that COVID-19 had on international students and the post-secondary sector, many students have been faced within learning remotely over the last several semesters, rather than learning from within an in-class environment most of us have come to expect.
As a result of this shift in learning styles, and more specifically, the impact of studying remotely, many applicants have been left to wonder what these changes will mean when it comes to meeting their eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
While, luckily, hope remains on the horizon. In a recent policy amendment issued by IRCC on February 7, 2022, IRCC has announced that the current provisions set in place, allowing candidates on a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to complete their studies online while still retaining their status has been extended until August 31, 2022.
Through this program, originally set to end of December 31, 2021, applicants have been permitted to complete 100% of their program of study while outside of Canada, all the while still retaining their eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
So, what does this development mean for students?
In summary, the current temporary policy provisions, originally set to expire on December 31, 2021, have now been extended by another eight (8) additional months, along post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders the ability to complete their studies abroad while remaining eligible for IRCC’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).
As of current, the following groups of students who have been permitted this extension include:
students enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in progress during March 2020
students who began or will begin PGWP-eligible programs between spring 2020 and summer 2022
so long as they meet one of the following requirements:
have a study permit
have been approved for a study permit
have submitted a study permit application prior to beginning their program that was eventually approved
In closing, while the pandemic has definitely thrown a curveball to the educational sector, due to IRCC’s continual monitoring of the situation and adaptability to same, students can rest assured in knowing that their hard-earned time spent studying will not be lost when it comes to calculating time under the the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), or come their own, personal, graduation finales.
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This update has been compiled with the latest available information for the general information of Border Law clients and other interested parties. This Update is not comprehensive and should not be relied upon without appropriate legal advice.