international students impacted by Covid-19 Helping International Students Impacted By Covid-19

Covid-19 has brought the world to a standstill and continues to have an unprecedented impact in our lives. international students impacted by Covid-19 are particularly affected as some are unable to attend school, travel home, or even cover basic expenses.  Some are preoccupied for the fate of their studies.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (ICCRC) is aware of their situation and has recently announced changes to some its policy and rules with respect to international students. The immigration lawyers at Kahane Law Office help with all student visa related matters. This include postgraduate foreign students  needing visas. Feel free to call today.

Attention: The content on this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute specific legal or other professional of any kind. purpose. Rules are changing regularly given the nature of the situation.

Travel To Canada During Covid-19 With A Valid Study Permit

Many international students impacted by Covid-1 have travel related issues. If you have a valid study permit or has been approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020, you can travel to Canada.

In addition, if you’re traveling by air, you will need to pass a health check conducted by an airline before you even be allowed to board your flight.  If you show symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed to travel to Canada by air.

When you arrive in Canada, officers will assess your health before you leave the port of entry. You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. Having a plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. Without a plan, you face a mandated quarantine. Quarantine occurs in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

People With Valid Study Permits But Cannot Travel To Canada

If you have a study permit or have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in May or June 2020, but you cannot travel to Canada at this time due to travel restrictions, you may

  • begin your classes while outside Canada, and
  • complete up to 50% of your program while outside Canada, if you cannot travel to Canada sooner.

My Courses Now A Online Format, Any Impact On Eligibility For Post- Graduation Work Permit Programs?

Many international students impacted by Covid-19 experience a change in classroom delivery. If your courses are being moved to an online-only format due to COVID-19, you’re still eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

On March 13, 2020, the government of Canada announced that due covid-19, courses of study delivered online on an exceptional basis due Covid-19 no longer affect eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Ability To Work More Than 20 Hours During Semester

To help battle the COVID-19 pandemic, starting immediately, the government will temporary remove certain restrictions. For example, this includes a change that allows international students impacted by Covid-19 to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. To qualify they must be working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.

For example, temporarily permissions allows you to work more than 20 hours if you are:

  • a study permit holder in an academic session;
  • eligible to work off-campus, and lastly
  • providing an essential service.

Renewing Study Permits During Covid -19

If you want to continue studying in Canada, you are able to extend your study permit if you’re eligible.

International Students Impacted By Covid-19? Applying For PGWP ASAP

You can apply for PGWP, if you have completed your studies in Canada and are eligible to apply.

We recommend international students apply for their Post-Graduation Work Permit before their study permit expires. This allows to work full time while waiting for their permit.

Applying For Work Permits I Lack The Ability To Pay For My Studies Due To Covid

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provides the opportunity for international students to obtain an open work permit. The permit allows for short-term relief, should on-campus employment be insufficient.

This exemption applies to international students impacted by Covid-19 who, due to circumstances beyond their control, may find themselves unable to meet the cost of their studies in Canada, be it their day-to-day needs or their tuition.

The government considers each case on its own merit.  Some cases will be self-evident such as cases of pandemic, war, upheaval in home country, collapse of the banking system, while others will require further explanation by the applicant, usually at an interview with an immigration officer.

Lawyer To Help International Students Impacted By Covid-19

Know any international students impacted by Covid-19? feeling lost and have questions?  Still unsure whether your work is an essential service to work more than 20 hours? Are you seeking assistance to extend your study permit? Obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit or apply for an open work permit due your financial situation?

Get in touch with us at (403)225-8810 in Calgary (780) 571-8463 in Edmonton or 1-877-225-8817. Our lawyers have experience working with international students and more than ready and willing to assist you.