IRCC Extends Distance Learning Measures Until August 2023

IRCC extends distance learning measures: During the pandemic times, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made some favorable changes keeping in mind the educational needs and health of Students. One of the biggest measures was that Students can pursue their studies online from Abroad and also remain eligible for PGWP. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on August 25^th that distance learning measures will stay in place until August 31^st, 2023. In the phase of Transition, the purpose is basically to encourage international students to come back to Canada, and some extra time as “Transition time” is provided to students to plan and get their process done.

IRCC further explained longer processing delays are due to Canada’s initiative to respond to humanitarian crises. Despite their efforts to prioritize study permit applications for fall intake, IRCC recognizes that many applications may still be under processing, to begin studies in person for the fall 2022 intake. Therefore, IRCC is extending temporary distance learning measures to accommodate students still waiting on their study permit applications. As well as provide sufficient time for students studying abroad to return to Canada. Eventually, transition to the pre-pandemic requirements.

How does it work?

All the international students studying online from abroad or those who have submitted their study permit application number before August 31, 2022, will be able to complete 100% of their program online with no deduction in PGWP eligibility. 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 the length of their PGWP.

However, study time completed from abroad starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of their post-graduation work permit, regardless of when a student began their studies.

How is this extension beneficial for students?

The extension of temporary distance learning measures will affect those programs starting from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Specifically, 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.

Thanks to key benefits like the PGWP and these continued measures, international students continue to be well-served by choosing to study in Canada – even when studying online from abroad.

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