Explainer: Canada’s temporary measures for international student permits
Students looking to renew their study permits can do so with a “temporary two-stage approval process”
Marco E. L. Mendicino is sworn in as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship during the cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. November 20, 2019. // Marco E. L. Mendicino est assermenté comme ministre de l'Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté durant la cérémonie d’assermentation du Conseil des ministres à Rideau Hall, à Ottawa. 20 novembre 2019.
The Canadian government has announced new measures for international students taking online classes this fall.
Because the Canadian border still has very tight restrictions on travel, the measures were created to allow international students to study online and receive credits while in their respective countries.
Some of the measures include a priority study permit for students who have completed their applications online and want their permits as soon as possible.
Students who have completed 50 per cent of their program in Canada and submitted their study permit application will be able to use their hours from online study in their home country towards their post-graduation work permit.
The government has also introduced a “temporary two-stage approval process” for students who are not able to submit the documents needed for completing their applications. It’s also available for students doing remote learning.
Students will be able to count the hours from studying “online abroad” towards their work after graduation. This can be done after they receive an “approval-in-principle.”
They must also submit their study permit applications before Sept. 15 to be considered for these measures. Students who study abroad will need to submit their finalized documents and have an updated study permit before they can enter Canada.
To apply for the temporary two-stage approval process, students must first prove that they will be studying at a Canadian Institution in the fall, are eligible for a study permit, and can financially support their studies.
Students can start their studies online once they’ve received their approval-in-process. They will receive their final approval once all of their eligibility requirements have been met. They will also need to submit biometrics, a police certificate, and an immigration medical exam before being allowed entry to Canada.
KPU international students and other international students in Canada who already have a valid study permit are exempt from these approval processes.
A previous release from the government notes that students with valid study permits can still work on campus and off campus as long as their permit allows it. They can also work more than 20 hours until Aug. 31, as long as the work is provision of an essential service.
Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marco Mendicino was quoted in the news release.
“We value the contribution of young people seeking a high-quality education in Canada, and we’re making every effort to minimize how current challenges affect their plans and dreams for the future,” he said.
In order to prepare new international students for their fall semester, KPU International has organized a mandatory online student orientation. They also ask that international students in Canada submit their study permit by Aug. 15 for the fall semester.
The KSA’s international students representative, Gurdial Dhindsa, did not respond to requests for an interview.
