In normal academic years, hundreds of thousands of students come to Canada across the globe to pursue their studies. But unfortunately, the 2020-2021 academic year is not normal. In this complete guide, we have covered everything that international students need to know about study permits. Continue reading to learn more about study permit applications, travel restrictions, post-graduation work permits in the current scenario.
Study permit applications submitted by May 15 will be processed by August 6. If you have submitted your application by May 15, you will receive the final decision from the authority by August 6. Applications submitted after May 15 will be processed as quickly as possible, but Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cannot guarantee any date for it.
The country is still processing study permit applications. But due to the significant impact of COVID-19, you may experience a delay in the process. The country has recently adopted a new two-step process for study permit applicants that will enable international students to start studies in Canada without getting final approval on their study permit application.
Understanding the two-step approval process has become essential in the student visa current scenario of Canada. Normally, international students had to submit a complete study permit application form and receive an approval letter to travel to Canada and start their course. The new two-step process allows students to begin their course remotely through the distance learning process while receiving a halfway approval on their study permit. Since many immigration offices in Canada are either closed or offering reduced services, they cannot process applications faster. Due to this reason, they have introduced this new two-step process.
In normal circumstances, applicants can travel to Canada once their study permit application gets approved. However, due to the country’s COVID-19 travel restrictions, only those applicants will be able to enter Canada who are studying at DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans. Therefore, other international students must keep an eye on Canada’s travel restriction guidelines to see when they’ll be eligible for travel.
On February 12, 2021, the Canadian government has announced a significant reduction of eligibility requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) because international students have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. The new rules make international students eligible for a PGWP even if they complete the entire program online. This rule will be applicable to all students who have enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program.
We hope that the student visa current scenario of Canada is now clear to you. Finally, we will conclude that you can still apply for a study permit in Canada and get approval if you take every step correctly. In this challenging situation consulting with an immigration consultant is essential to make your study permit application process smoother. Aussie Experts Education & Migration is an experienced firm specializing in immigration procedures. Our registered agents will make every effort to fulfill your dream to study abroad.
