Since mid of March, Canada has shut its borders for the rest of the world. This travel ban very severely affected international students much more than any other group. Four months after the travel ban, international students are still eagerly waiting for a positive response from Canadian Authority. Recently, international students were notified only to make travel plans to Canada if they can prove that their travel is “non-discretionary” or “non-optional,” even if their study permits were approved before March 18, 2020. In such a backdrop, the CIC newsletter confirms that the Canadian Federal administration has urged the concerned authorities as well as designated learning institutes (DLI) to engage in discussions on ways to safely welcome international students to Canada in the following months. Designated Learning Institutes are the Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions that are permitted by the provincial and federal government to admit international students.
Canada successfully flattened the curve since the beginning of the pandemic. Convenient travel and public healthcare are the main reasons behind the low coronavirus cases. Recently, Canada added students from the US to their exemption list. These can be collectively read as a positive sign towards a possible travel ban relaxation shortly.
International student community- the backbone of the Canadian economy!
In the year 2019, Canada welcomed over 640,000 at the post-secondary level. This sector is an indispensable part of the Canadian economy and contributed up to $22 billion by way of student tuition fees. To make sure that Canada remains a top study destination for international students, the federal administration has lately introduced several immigration rules relaxation measures. The two-step study permit process is one such initiative. An international student may obtain a pre-approval for their study permit. This pre-approval will allow a student to enrol in a Designated Learning Institute and take 50% of their program online while they are outside of Canada. They can travel to Canada after getting their study permit approved on the lifting of the travel ban. The time the students spent studying online in their home countries will be counted towards their Post Graduate Work Permit eligibility requirement.
Recent Developments on travel restrictions for international students
Canada’s immigration minister, Marco Mendicino, and health minister, Patty Hajdu, have approached the provincial governments and the Designated Learning Institutes seeking information on their respective jurisdiction. The Federal administration wants to ensure that the provincial governments are well equipped to welcome a new set of international students and their immediate family members. The ministers also noted that due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, the stakeholders might have to continuously adjust their approach to ensure the safety of both Canadians and international students. And with Canada’s travel restrictions coming to an end on July 31, 2020, all these seem to suggest Canada begins lifting travel restrictions on international students.
Contact Immilaw Global, the best Canadian immigration lawyers and Canadian Higher Education Professional in Kerala, to know more and to start your study permit applications immediately.
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