IRCC has introduced new flexibility for international students whose Fall 2020 courses move online due to COVID-19. This announced change comes as a relief to thousands of international students who want to remain eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Before COVID-19’s impact, students attending a designated learning institution (DLI) would not qualify for a PGWP if they are pursuing their program via distance learning. Also, time studying outside Canada is normally deducted from the length of the PGWP.
However, IRCC’s May 14, 2020 announcement means that PGWP eligibility will not be affected for international students whose Fall 2020 courses move online due to COVID-19.
Students whose courses will be online in the fall may commence their studies while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they are unable to travel to Canada sooner.
IRCC has also announced that international students will have time deducted from their future PGWP for studies completed outside Canada up until December 31, 2020.
