Matthew Smith

July 15, 2020

Updates related to COVID-19 

As we all continue to work together to support each other and those most vulnerable in our communities, take note of these recent federal updates: For international students, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced additional support measures for international students beginning a new program online this fall with a Canadian learning institution, including: priority study-permit processing for students who have submitted a complete application online; allowing students to count the time spent pursuing their studies online abroad toward their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, if they have submitted a study permit application and if at least 50% of their program is... Read more

Tags: covid19, IRCC

May 15, 2020

IRCC extends exemptions for international students

International students beginning in the Fall will be allowed to start their program online. We are very pleased to share that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has just announced that the exemptions granted to international students with respect to Post-Graduate Work Permit eligibility and online studies from outside of Canada will be extended for the Fall intake. As is the case for students starting programs in May and June, international students joining us this Fall will be allowed to begin and complete up to 50% of their program online from abroad in anticipation of a transition to Canada. These... Read more

April 27, 2020

Continuing updates related to COVID-19

As we all continue to work together to support each other and those most vulnerable in our communities, we are pleased to share information on a few recent federal updates concerning students: Financial support for students: the Government of Canada announced a historic $9-billion student aid package to support students facing financial challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including: The Canada Emergency Student Benefit, providing $1,250 per month to eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents enrolled in a post-secondary program or recently graduated, and otherwise ineligible for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. The Canada Service Grant, recognizing the critical role students... Read more

April 23, 2020

Removing barriers for international students working in essential services to fight COVID-19

To help battle the COVID-19 outbreak, starting immediately, the Government of Canada is removing the restriction that allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. During the COVID-19 outbreak, workers in certain roles and industries have been under considerable pressure, and the government recognizes that international students who are already present in Canada will help meet the challenges of the pandemic. For instance, thousands of international... Read more

April 22, 2020

New measures to support students affected by COVID-19

Many Canadians are facing unprecedented financial challenges because of COVID-19 and students are no exception. Not only have their studies been disrupted, but many have lost part-time jobs and are facing the prospect of spending the entire summer unemployed, losing out on much needed financial support. Colleges and Institutes Canada has been advocating on behalf of members and their students since the beginning of this unprecedented crisis, as previous measures designed to help Canadians did not address the specific challenges they are facing. Today we are so pleased that the federal government announced new initiatives worth $9B specifically for students... Read more

Tags: covid-19, students