Immigration Office Extends Overseas Online Course Study Time! Does Not Affect Post-Graduation Work Permits for International Students!

IRCC's latest official announcement today: Until August 31, 2023, the immigration office allows international students to study online courses outside of Canada without affecting their post-graduation work permit applications. Starting from September 1, 2023, all study time completed outside of Canada, regardless of when it began, will be deducted from the post-graduation work permit. For international students who apply for a study permit between September 1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, the proportion of online courses cannot exceed 50% of the total program, or they will not be eligible for the post-graduation work permit. This is aimed at helping international students complete their transitional period and return to Canada for their studies as late as next year.

With applicants pouring in from around the world, the immigration office plans to add 1,250 positions by the end of the fall to address the backlog of cases. From January 1st to July 31st this year, the immigration office has already issued 349,000 work permits, compared to 112,000 in the same period last year. The new immigration target for 2022 is set at 431,000, and as of July 31st, the country has already welcomed 275,000 new immigrants.

Finally, the Minister of Immigration summarized several measures that the Canadian government has implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a press conference on August 22nd, including:

Restarting the Express Entry draws in July 2022. 

Extending the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for international students in 2021 and 2022. 

Allowing in-Canada applications for closed work permits by the end of February 2023 for in-Canada visitors. 

The TR to PR Pathway, also known as the "2021 Immigration Amnesties" .