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 exceptional measures will be in place until December 31, 2020.
Since travel restrictions were imposed in March, Colleges and Institutes Canada, in coordination with other national stakeholders, has been working hard to advocate for as much flexibility as possible for international students. This is a welcome announcement that provides institutions and students much needed clarity with respect to the fall.
We appreciate IRCC’s leadership on this issue, and all of the feedback that we had received from our members. We do realize that some questions remain, especially around shorter programs, and will continue to work with IRCC, other government departments and stakeholders to advocate on your behalf, and that of your students.