We are pleased to share that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada has announced further flexibilities to support international students:
- New measures will allow up to 100% of a student’s program to be completed online from outside of Canada while remaining eligible for the post-graduate work permit (PGWP). Studies completed outside of Canada until December 31, 2021 will count towards the eligibility and length of the PGWP.
This announcement reflects the ongoing evolution of the pandemic. It also reflects the impact of our extensive advocacy efforts to demonstrate the value of international students to Canada.
Note that additional testing and more stringent quarantine requirements for travel to Canada are now in effect. In addition to providing proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test taken up to 72 hours prior to departure, international students flying to Canada are required to: reserve a government-authorized hotel for 3 nights, take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival, and stay in the government-authorized hotel while awaiting the results.
- Should the test result be negative, students will be allowed to complete the remainder of their 14-day quarantine in accordance with the COVID-19 readiness plan of their chosen designated learning institution.
- Should the test result be positive, students will be required to isolate for 14 days from when the sample was collected.
We are aware that many international students have experienced long delays in trying to book their government-authorized hotel stay. We continue to stress the effectiveness of government approved COVID-19 readiness plans already in place, and that these new measures add undue cost to students.
We continue to monitor the situation closely and will share additional information as it becomes available.