Canadian Immigration will allow online education until December 2023

To qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada, international students must meet certain criteria. Here are the key requirements:

1. Completion of a Qualifying Program: You must complete your studies in a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The program should be an academic, vocational, or professional program.

2. Receive an Official Confirmation LetterYou need to obtain an official letter of completion from your DLI, indicating that you have met all the requirements of your study program. This letter should also include a request for a PGWP.

3. Duration of PGWP:The length of your PGWP depends on the duration of your study program. If your program is less than 8 months, you are not eligible for a PGWP. If your program is 8 months or longer, you may be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for up to the same length as your study program.

4. Study in Canada:You must have completed your program while studying physically in Canada. Online or distance learning does not count toward PGWP eligibility unless IRCC receives a study permit application before September 1, 2023.

5. Date of Program Start:The rules for calculating PGWP eligibility have changed due to COVID-19. The restrictions on online or distance learning have been temporarily lifted for certain students. Here are the categories:
   - Students who enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs in March 2020.
   - Students who began their PGWP-eligible programs between March 2020 and August 2022.
   - Students who started their study programs abroad before August 31, 2022, must complete 100% of their program length to be eligible for a PGWP.
   - Students who started their study programs from September 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, can count only 50% of the program length towards PGWP eligibility.

It's important to note that these criteria and the current extension apply to students who started their programs before September 1, 2023. For students who start their programs after August 31, 2022, the current extension and criteria do not apply. Also, if a student studies outside of Canada at a designated institution, the time spent abroad can be considered toward the PGWP calculation, but IRCC must receive a study permit application before September 1, 2023.

These regulations are subject to change, so it's essential to check the latest updates on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with an immigration professional for the most up-to-date information.

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