How are international students being supported during COVID-19?

The IRCC has made policy changes to support students who want to study in Canada from abroad.

Employment for students already in Canada

  • International students may work more than 20 hours per week off-campus for essential jobs until August 31, 2020
  • International students may continue working on- or off- campus, if their study permits allows it, even if they were forced to study online, part-time, or take a break from their studies due to COVID-19
  • International students will not lose their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit even if they were forced to study online, part-time, or take a break from their studies due to COVID-19 

Study permit applications

  • Students who have completed their application will be prioritized and may come to Canada as soon as travel restrictions are lifted
  • IRCC has introduced a 2-stage study permit application process for students who cannot complete their application because they’re unable to provide biometrics, police certificates, or medical exams:
    • Stage 1: Students can get an initial assessment before the start of the fall semester. If approved they will have most of the criteria for a study permit. 
    • Stage 2: A final decision will be made based on admissibility requirements. International students may travel to Canada once they’ve been approved through both stages and once travel restrictions are lifted.

Post-Graduate Work Permit Program

  • International students can study online from abroad until April 30, 2021 without affecting their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, as long as they complete half of their program in Canada
  • Students enrolled in programs that are 8-12 months long and which started between May to September of 2020 will be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit even if they complete the entire program outside of Canada


For more information, read about the facilitative measures to support international students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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