With over 75,000 Canadian study permit applications pending, the government has announced that it will prioritise the application of clients whose study is due to start in September. It will also extend the option of remote learning by a year.
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has informed Hindustan Times that they are trying to reduce visa waiting time globally.
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The distance learning measures have been extended as a contingency plan until August 31, 2023. These measures were introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. International students who have been studying online or students who have submitted their study permit application within August 31, 2022, will be able to continue their 100% programme in online mode.
IRCC has explained that the reason behind the huge backlog is an increase in the number of applications for study permits in the present year. Till May 2022, IRCC has received 123,500 applications from Indian residents which is 55% more than in 2019.
IRCC has issued a warning that in spite of prioritising study permit applications, many students will be unable to begin their fall classes, in time, due to delays in the processing of applications.
By extending the remote option, IRCC ensured that students can study online and also will be eligible for their post-study work permit (PGWP) without penalties.
However, not more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to be eligible for PGWP. Also, studies completed online after August 31, 2022, will be deducted from PGWP.
Anshuman Gaur, India's acting High Commissioner in Ottawa applauded this interim arrangement and assured their continuous communication with the Canadian government for speedy processing of the permits.
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Earlier, the High Commission of India issued an advisory to ask students to request Canadian universities to take online classes as a contingency plan. They also pointed out that 2,30,000 Indian students have added CAD 4 billion toward the tuition fees in the Canadian economy.
Source: Hindustan Times, The Economic Times
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