Canada is Now Accepting Incomplete Applications from Students

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have updated their policies in light of the restrictions currently in place under COVID-19. They will continue to accept applications for study permits and post-graduate work permits even if some documents are missing.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many application centres are now closed. Prospective international students have been encouraged to continue working on their study permit and PGWP applications in spite of these limitations.

It may currently be difficult or impossible to submit certain documents to the Canadian government. These documents may include:

• Biometrics
• Medical examinations
• Travel documents

In the past, incomplete applications would have been refused by the Canadian government. However, in order to make the process as easy as possible, the government is now continuing to accept incomplete applications.

The government will place the file on hold while waiting for the supporting documents.

International students who have graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) may be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). 

Under normal circumstances, graduates are required to provide a final transcript from their school. However, that may be impossible at this time. 

The government is allowing international students who have applied for a PGWP before their study permit expires to begin working full-time while their application remains under consideration. 

Graduates are expected to submit a letter explaining their inability to supply the necessary documents due to the closure of their school. Once their documents are available they can submit them using the IRCC web form.

Students who have applied to renew their status but are missing documents will be allowed to maintain their status until a  final decision is made. They will not be allowed to work during this time. 

Under normal circumstances, international students need to be studying full-time in order to apply for a PGWP. The government is currently making exceptions in this area, as well. 

If a student’s course load is reduced to part-time status due to school closures or cancellations of classes, this will not affect their eligibility for a Canadian post-graduate work permit. 

As uncertainty grows in American immigration, and more restrictions are put in place for accessing temporary visas, Canada has become a more promising option for students all over the world. Offering more affordable tuition rates, internationally-recognized schools, and national efforts to make immigration easier and more effective, Canadian schools are continuing to come out on top.

If you’re interested in living and studying in Canada, fill out our free student assessment today and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your options.