New Canada Visa changes for international students.

 As a top study-abroad destination, Canada has made several changes to its study permit application system to accommodate international students facing some complications.

Below is everything you need to know about the changes to study permits in Canada due to the pandemic.

1. Designated learning institutions (DLIs)

To apply for a study permit as an international student, the Canadian university you’re attending must now be a designated learning institution. DLIs are institutions recognized by the Canadian government for having a sufficient quarantine plan in place to safely host international student arrivals.

Many universities have been approved as DLIs and you can check if your university is on the list using the search tool from the Canadian government 👉https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students/approved-dli.html

 

2. Two-step system for remote learners

Canadian visa application centres around the world have had to close or limit the services they offer because of local lockdowns, making it harder than usual for international students to gather all the documents they need. You can use this search tool to find your nearest Canadian visa application centre (VAC) and find out which services it is currently offering.👇 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/contact-ircc/offices/find-visa-application-centre.html

 

In response to this, Canada’s visa process has been adapted into a two-step system to allow students to begin their studies remotely without having to submit all the forms usually required for a full study permit.

In step-one of the new system, all study permit applicants must still submit the following:

• Letter of acceptance from DLI in Canada
• Proof of funds
• Proof of eligibility for a study permit aside from documents unavailable due to Covid-19.
• If studying in Quebec, students must also submit a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ)
• However, students can now submit study permit applications without the following documents:
• Biometrics
• Original travel documents
• Medical exam
• Police certificate

If a study permit application is submitted without these documents but would otherwise be deemed eligible, it will be “approved in principle”. While you can’t enter Canada with this outcome, you will be authorized to begin studying in a Canadian university course via distance learning from your home country and still be eligible to receive your post graduate work permit whether or not you complete your study in your home country.

Previously you had to have a fully approved study permit to begin your course, even remotely.

Step-two of the process can begin once you obtain and submit the remaining documents missing from your application, after which you should receive a letter to say your study permit has been fully approved.

Once this is obtained, you will be able to travel to Canada and activate your study permit when you enter the country, as long as the university you’re travelling to is a registered DLI.

This is really a huge relief for international students planning to study in Canada. You can take advantage of this information and act fast.