IRCC creates transition period for distance learning measures

During the pandemic, international students were allowed to pursue their studies online while living abroad and remained eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced on August 25th that distance learning measures will stay in place until August 31st, 2023 in order to give international students time to return to Canada.

International students studying abroad or who submit a study permit application before August 31st 2022 will able to continue to complete up to 100% of their program online, without affecting their eligibility for a PGWP.

Prior to the pandemic, students were required to complete no more than 50% of their studies online, and time spent studying online outside Canada was deducted from their length of their PGWP.

That being said, study completed abroad starting on September 1st, 2023 will be deducted from the length of their PGWP, regardless of when their studies began.

The extension of the temporary distance learning measures will affect students starting programs from September 1st, 2022 to August 31st, 2023. These measures will apply:

No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023 will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.

Although the Canadian government will prioritize study permit applications for students beginning their studies in September, some international students may not have their application processed on time to begin their studies in person for the fall 2022 intake period.

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