New IRCC Updates – Canada Now Accepting Incomplete Study Permit And PGWP Applications
Canada will accept incomplete study permit and PGWP applications according to new updates coming from the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some international students who are finding it difficult in submitting the required documents for their study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications, so Canada is keeping their files open until they are able.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many application centres to either close or limit their operations. As a result, some study permit applicants are unable to complete three important components of their applications:
- giving biometrics;
- having medical examination; and
- Providing their original travel documents
In light of the present circumstances, IRCC says they will not refuse incomplete study permit applications as a result of coronavirus service disruptions.
Instead, they will keep the applications open, and continue requesting other supporting documents, or necessary actions until either they receive the documents or showed proof that an action has been taken.
International students can work before PGWP approval
The temporary measures also extends to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) persons who are not able to get a letter of completion, or final transcripts from their Designated Learning Institutions (DLI).
If international students apply for the Post graduate work permits before their study permit expires, but they are not able to submit the complete application due to a DLI closure, they will be allowed to start working full time until a decision is made on their applications.
However, they should lodge a letter of explanation, showing they are unable to submit the important documents due to their school’s closure. Once their documents are available they can lodge them using the IRCC web form, which enables communication between Canada’s immigration ministry and immigration candidates.
IRCC is also allowing candidates to restore their status without the letter of completion or final transcripts. Individuals who are restoring their status are not permitted to work while the application is ongoing.
PGWP eligibility not affected by part-time status
Following health and social distancing measures, Canadian post-secondary institutions may have to close classes. foreign students may consequently have to put their pause their studies or study part-time.
If a student’s status changes from full time to part-time due to alterations in the programming at their distance learning institution for the winter and summer 2020 semesters, they will still be qualified to apply for a PGWP.
The PGWP is crucial because it helps international students to acquire Canadian work experience. Such work experience helps them become qualified for other immigration programs under the likes of Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Canada recently announced major reforms to provide more PGWP flexibility for international students that want to begin their Canadian immigration journey this fall.
