Canada has announced to extend transition period for distance learning measures

Canadian immigration department, i.e. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced to extend the transition period for distance learning that were firstly implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canadian immigration department, i.e. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced to extend the transition period for distance learning that were firstly implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under these extended instructions, students who have completed less than 50% of their PGWP-eligible studies outside of Canada will be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) until December 31, 2023.

Prior to global pandemic, there was a prerequisite for foreign students to complete no more than 50% of their studies online, and time spent studying online outside of Canada did not count toward PGWP eligibility.

Due to travel restrictions during the global pandemic, IRCC removed the online study restriction for particular groups of students, comprising those who were enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in progress in March 2020 or began PGWP-eligible programs between March 2020 and August 31, 2022.

This amendment allowed these students to use 100 percent of their time spent studying overseas toward their PGWP eligibility. However, for students who began their studies between September 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, only 50% of their study time can be counted.

It's vital to note that this measure and the current extension do not apply to students studying overseas after September 1, 2023, irrespective of the fact when they started their studies. It also does not apply to students who joined in programs after August 31, 2022.

Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit meant for foreign students who want to continue living and working in Canada after completing their study programs. PGWP holders have the option to work for almost any employer in Canada, and the duration of the PGWP depends on the length of their program of study, possibly lasting up to 3 years.

IRCC's update stresses upon the fact that if a student studied at a designated learning institution (DLI) while outside of Canada, the time spent begins counting toward the length of the PGWP only after the department gets the study permit application.

To be eligible for a PGWP, students need to have completed studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program at a DLI that was minimum 8 months in duration. They also require providing a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study, which will be included in the PGWP application.

Moreover, those who choose to live in Canada on a PGWP after completing their studies can use the work experience they gain toward their pursuit of PR status. Many federal and provincial immigration programs highly value applicants with Canadian education and work experience.

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To confirm latest Canada immigration updates and apply for the relevant visa in Canada this year, you may get in touch with Visas Avenue qualified and trusted Visa Consultant on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar