Canada

Canada International Student Support – Relaxed Norms During Covid-19

International students in Canada might not feel the heat of COVID-19 the way international students in the USA do. Canada’s international student Support is better as the country considers them vital to the economy.

Through the pandemic, Canada has taken a number of international student-friendly decisions to help them stay safe while advancing towards their educational goals.

In a bid to be even more student friendly, the Canadian government has recently announced more flexibility in students enrolled in courses but unable to travel to Canada.

Canada International Students Support – Students Can Attend Online Courses Without Repercussions

Canada allows international students enrolled in study programs to attend classes online from wherever they may be for the fall semester without any repercussions on their visas.

This means, students may stay in their home countries for the time being. In addition, the country has introduced a 2-stage study permit approval process.

Canada International Students Support – What Is The 2-Stage Study Permit Approval Process

These norms introduced by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) cater to international students who have submitted complete applications before September 15^th. Once these students receive an in-principle approval, they may start their online coursework.

They may complete up to 50% of their coursework online if travel restrictions keep them from attending in-person classes and these studies will count towards their Post Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

Once the visa services reopen, students can file the remaining documents for their visa such as biometrics, etc. and receive a study permit to travel to Canada.

Response To New Norms

Educators in Canada have welcomed the news and now hope that the enrollment decline they had expected will not be as bad as they feared. Students too can heave a sigh of relief and will not have to lose time.

Traveling To Canada

Students traveling to Canada must carry a valid study permit or a port of entry introduction letter that mentions that they have been approved for a study permit before or on March 18^th, 2020.

Only those students who are healthy with no visible signs of COVID-19 symptoms may board a flight to Canada. On arrival, their health will be assessed again and they must be quarantined for 14 days.