CANADA SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Unlike the United States which has been the worst affected country due to the Coronavirus pandemic, its Northern neighbor, Canada, has managed to control the spread of the virus better than most countries. In terms of the economy as well, Canada has done better than the United States and is likely to emerge fairly quickly from the contraction in economic growth.

While the United States economy fell into a recession during the lockdown, the Canadian Government has ensured fiscal and monetary support not only to businesses but to individuals as well. The government went further and also helped International Students who were facing financial stress during this period. While the policy allowed International Students to only work for 20 hours a week while their classes are on, the government removed this restriction during the crisis for those students who were working in essential services like healthcare or supply of food and goods. While International Students looking to study in the United States have faced an uncertain future due to confusing policy decisions by the Trump Administration, Canada has ensured clear and timely communication of policy changes!

The biggest support for International Students has been in terms of their eligibility for the Post Graduation Work Permit program that allows students to work for upto 3 years after completing their course. Due to the pandemic, with most classes shifting online and travel restrictions preventing many students from moving to Canada, there was a concern about losing out on the eligibility for the Work Permit Program. However, the government has eased those tensions for the international student by announcing that students will still qualify even if the classes have been shifted online or the students have put their studies on hold because of Covid-19 restrictions.

1. For those students who are outside Canada and are not able to travel to Canada due to the travel restrictions either in their own country or from the Canadian government, students will still be eligible for the Post Graduation Work Permit if they have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit or you will apply for a study permit for the January 2021 semester. This also means that you can begin your classes online while you are outside Canada provided you complete 50% of your course in Canada.

2. If the course is 8-12 months long and was started before September 2020, the entire course can be completed online and you will still be able to work after graduation.

3. International Students who have completed 50% of the course upto April 2021 and complete the balance course in Canada would also qualify for the work program.

In short, International Students will not be penalized for having to take classes online and would still qualify for the Post Graduation Work Permit program without it affecting the duration of the Work Permit. The Post-Graduation Work Permit helps International Students gain Canadian work experience which is preferred by Canadian employers. This program also opens up the opportunity of applying for your immigration once you complete the work permit program. The assistance being provided by the Canadian Government ensures that Canada will be a preferred destination for higher studies for many students.

For more information about Studying in Canada, visit www.canadianxperience.com