New Changes to Student Visas
Given the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government has implemented some temporary changes that will ease some of the pressure facing international students.
The federal government has already made changes to the requirements for post-graduation work permits. Typically, international students are expected to attend full-time classes, mainly on campus. Earlier this year, the government loosened these requirements, allowing students to take more than 50 percent of their classes online, to reduce their studies to part time, or even to stop taking classes, altogether. However, these changes assumed that students would be physically in Canada, even if their studies moved online.
The federal government has already made changes to the requirements for post-graduation work permits. Typically, international students are expected to attend full-time classes, mainly on campus. Earlier this year, the government loosened these requirements, allowing students to take more than 50 percent of their classes online, to reduce their studies to part time, or even to stop taking classes, altogether. However, these changes assumed that students would be physically in Canada, even if their studies moved online.
COVID-19 & International Students
The life of the international student is complex and potentially difficult, even under normal circumstances. Consider the steps it takes to apply for and secure a student visa, plus organizing housing and work, building friendships, learning a new language . . . To be sure, taking on an international education is not for the faint-hearted.