How Canada’s support lifts students’ spirits amid COVID crisis

Canada is impressively taking steps to safeguard the status and well-being of citizens and immigrants. In the event of the COVID-19 outbreak and the consequent restrictive measures, Canada was determined to ensure that people are not helpless.

A lot of students who study in Canada today are facing difficulties owing to the COVID-19 situation. Canada realizes that foreign students are a significant part of its demography as educational migration is Canada’s prestigious activity. Over 600,000 students create a flourishing learning environment at the numerous campuses Canada has. Study in Canada after Graduation is not only a dream for many but is a real economic source that Canada values highly.

It’s estimated that around $20 billion is pumped into Canada’s economy by educational immigration. That much money has the potential to support 200,000 jobs in the country!

Canada has come forward to help international students facing difficulties in Canada with various measures taken. Here are a few of them.

Granting implied status

The option of extending a Canada Study Visa has been provided to international students to stay on in Canada. But if the process takes longer than the period of expiry of the original visa, then students are permitted to stay with an implied status.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reviews the applicant’s study permit and meanwhile let the student continue to study in Canada. The conditions of their original permit will apply during such stay until a decision comes from the IRCC.

Extension of working hours

International students in Canada are restricted from working more than 20 hours a week while in session. But this condition has been waived conditionally for the time being. Now, if the student is working in any of the 10 priority sectors involved in the fight against COVID-19, they can work more than 20 hours a week. This is allowed only until August 31, 2020. The 10 sectors stipulated are:

• Information and Communication Technologies
• Energy and utilities
• Health
• Finance
• Water
• Food
• Safety
• Transportation
• Manufacturing
• Government

Income support for students

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has been launched by the Canadian government. It’s meant to give income support for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A pay of $500 per week is offered by CERB to eligible workers. If any student qualifies in the eligibility criteria, he/she can avail of this support.

Opportunities for Permanent Residence

There’s a distinct advantage for an international student who has been in Canada for a while. They have a shot at a permanent residence in the country. This possibility stems from certain facts that the Canadian government favors to consider immigrants for PR. They are:

• The young age of immigrants
• High education levels
• Skill in English and/or French language
• The experience of Canada

After the COVID-19 crisis began, Canada has been keen to choose skilled candidates with all the above qualities to offer them Permanent Residence.

Extended time to submit immigration applications

IRCC has assured candidates that considering the hindrances caused by the COVID-19 situation, incomplete applications will not be rejected. In such cases, the candidate will be given an additional 90 days to complete the formalities.

Help with PGWP

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) helps former international students get work experience in Canada, which will help them transition to Permanent Residence. In early April, IRCC made an announcement. It related to international students with approval for a study permit to begin their program in Canada in May or June. These students were allowed to begin their programs online. It was assured to not affect their eligibility to apply for a PGWP in time. This was decided also considering the absence of coaching in-class.

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