The Government of Canada has extended the time that international students may study online from outside Canada and have it count towards Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, with some new regulations starting on September 1.
In 2021, the government announced that international students could complete 100% of their studies online until August 31, 2022, and still have it count towards a PGWP. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, international students were required to complete no more than 50% of their program online, and time spent studying online from outside Canada was deducted from the length of their PGWP.
On August 25, 2022, it was announced that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is creating a transition period and its distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023.
International students studying online from abroad, or who submit a study permit application no later than August 31, 2022, will continue to be able to complete up to 100% of their program online without affecting their PGWP eligibility. However, starting on September 1, 2023, any studies completed online from outside Canada will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP, regardless of when a student began their studies.
Students starting programs from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023, will be able to study online from abroad. However, no more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP and studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
For more information about Canada’s PGWP program visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website.
University Canada West’s campuses are open and students able to travel to Canada are strongly encouraged to attend classes on-campus.
The University will continue to offer online classes for students who cannot travel to Canada. Students may start their program online abroad for the Fall (October) 2022 and Winter (January) 2023 terms if they have applied for a study permit and can provide proof of application before their program starts.
Students starting their studies online for the Fall Term must submit proof of their visa application by September 25, 2022.
UCW’s refund guarantee has also been extended for the Fall 2022 Term, giving students the confidence to start their program at UCW with a guaranteed refund if their study permit application is refused.
For more information about the University’s refund policy, read the Refund Policy Procedure on the Tuition and Fees page on UCW’s website.
Published on August 30, 2022.
Updated November 1, 2022.
