Canada extends PGWP eligibility period for students studying online

Canada has once again brought a big relief for international students. As per the latest update, international students who have been completing their study program online from outside Canada will now be able to continue their studies online until August 31, 2022, without affecting the duration of their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Earlier, this exemption was only till December 31 2021.

“All of the time you spent studying online from outside Canada between spring 2020 and August 31, 2022, counts toward the length of a PGWP,” – stated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on their official website.

The Government of Canada has further stated that even if a student completes 100% of their studies online by August 31, 2022, they will still be eligible for PGWP. It is applicable even when an international student completes 2 study programmes, provided they were running or started between March 2020 and August 2022.

This announcement has brought a big sigh of relief for the students as they can now continue their studies online without worrying about their PGWP validity.

It is worth mentioning here that due to the constraints caused by the Corona Virus pandemic, IRCC has been facing a huge backlog of around 1.8 million immigration applications, including study permits. Consequently, international students are facing delays in receiving their study visas. In India, too, despite the resumption of direct flights to Canada, a significant number of students are still pursuing their study programs online.

The duration of the work permit depends on the length of the study permit. For example, if the study permit is less than 8 months, it is not considered eligible for PGWP. If any study program is more than 8 months and less than 2 years, then the student can get PGWP equivalent to the duration of their study program. And if the study program is of more than 2 years, then the student can get a PGWP of up to 3 years. Students can also combine two programs to extend the duration of their PGWP by 3 years.

It should be noted that international students are considered eligible for PGWP only if the programs they have selected are (1) from an eligible DLI, (2) completed in the last two years, (3) the programs meet all PGWP eligibility requirements and (4) and are at least 8 months long.

PGWP is an important component that attracts thousands of international students to study in Canada. After completing their study program, International students gain valuable work experience through PGWP. The Canadian work experience comes in handy when international students apply for permanent residency. As per the recent Statistics Canada report, 6 out of 10 international students working during or after their studies become permanent residents.

It is also important to note that the time spent by the students in the study prior to applying for the study permit will not count towards the PGWP. Therefore, It is highly recommended that the students not start their course before applying for the study permit. for more information and guidance for Canada study visas, students can visit any of our branches or call at 92563-92563