New Student Permit Processing System for Student Starting School in the Fall Semester 2020 – Canada

As per COVID-19 outbreak, it became complicated for many international students wishing to gather all the documents required by the Government of Canada to submit a complete student-visa application (e.g. police certificates, biometrics, medical exams, etc.).

As per this reason, the Government of Canada has put in place a new student visa processing system for international Students who received a letter of acceptance for the fall semester 2020 from a Designated Learning Institution. Until September 15th, 2020, the Government of Canada will process student visa application in two-stages.

New Temporary Student Visa Processing (valid until Sept 15th, 2020)

The temporary student visa processing is a two stages process. An international student must submit an application to the Government with all the documents he already has. If he is missing some documents, he must include a letter of explanation for any documents that are missing due to COVID-19. Once the applicant submitted his application, stage 1 will begin.

Stage 1: the Government will check your eligibility. In this stage the officer will reviews your application upon:

• Your letter of acceptance from a DLI.

• Proof that you have enough money to pay your tuitions fees, your living expenses for yourself and your family (if applicable) and a return transportation.

• Your family ties in Canada.

• Proof that you will leave Canada by the end of your stay.

If an officer approves your application in Stage 1, you will be able to start studying online from your home country. The Government will try to pass most applications through stage 1 before the fall semesters starts.

Stage 2: an Immigration Officer will review your admissibility and any changes to your eligibility once you will submit your biometrics, your police certificate or any others documents you could not provide during the first stage. If the immigration Officer approves your application, you will be able to travel to Canada when current travel restriction change and start or continue studying if you have already started studying online.

In conclusion, the Government put this process in place to help international students start their program by the fall 2020 semester – if you have received a letter of acceptance but you are still waiting for your police certificate or other documents, it is time to apply!

Other important facts

• If you’re in Canada and your in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, you’re still eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

• If you are outside of Canada and are or will be studying online, it won’t affect your PGWPP (you can complete up to 50% of your program while outside of Canada).

• You can continue to work even if COVID-19 has forced you to become a part-time student or take a break in studies if you’re a full-time student in Canada.

• You are temporarily allowed to work more than 20 hours per week if you are an International Students providing essential services – in effect until August 31st, 2020.

If you have inquiries or questions or you need help with your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pierre@fidusimmigration.com or 403-471-8035. We are here to help during this challenging and confusing time. We, from Fidus immigration, wish you and your family well.