Canada Enhances Support for International Students
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of Recent Developments
International students significantly contribute to Canada’s economy, adding over $21 billion annually and invigorating our communities. The pandemic has posed numerous challenges, prompting the Canadian Government to implement supportive measures, such as introducing open work permits for former international students with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
Ottawa, February 12, 2021—In an effort to further assist international students, Minister Marco E. L. Mendicino announced new initiatives to ensure students aren’t disadvantaged by the pandemic. With many students continuing their studies online from abroad, temporary adjustments to the PGWP Program have been expanded.
These initiatives ensure that online studies count towards PGWP eligibility, enabling students to complete their programs entirely online while remaining eligible for a PGWP. This applies to all students in PGWP-eligible programs who meet the necessary criteria.
The government is committed to encouraging these students to settle permanently in Canada. Their strong skills, enhanced by Canadian education and work experience, position them well for permanent residency. In 2019, over 58,000 graduates successfully became permanent residents, addressing demographic challenges.
Attracting skilled immigrants is central to Canada’s recovery plan. This policy aids graduates in fulfilling critical roles in healthcare, technology, and beyond, contributing to both short-term recovery and long-term growth.
Official Statement
“Whether as health workers on the pandemic’s front lines or as founders of promising start-ups, international students are vital to communities across Canada. Their contributions are enduring, and this new policy ensures they won’t miss out on opportunities post-graduation, addressing urgent economic needs. Our message is clear: we want you to study here and stay here.”
—The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Information
- In 1971, there were 6.6 working-age individuals for each senior. Currently, three workers support each retiree, projected to drop to two by 2035. Without immigrants, younger Canadians may face higher costs for the same benefits.
- These measures apply to all international students who:
- are enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program
- began or will begin a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021, or whose program started by March 2020
- have a study permit, approval, or applied for one prior to starting and are subsequently approved
- meet all other PGWP criteria
Related Resources
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Visitors, temporary workers and students
- COVID-19: A guide for international students in Canada arriving from abroad
Media Contacts
Contacts (for media only):
Alexander Cohen
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
alexander.cohen@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new measures for international students?
The measures allow online studies to count towards PGWP eligibility and enable completion of programs entirely online while maintaining PGWP eligibility.
Who do these measures apply to?
They apply to students enrolled in PGWP-eligible programs from spring 2020 to fall 2021, or those whose programs began by March 2020, meeting all other criteria.
How does this affect Canada’s economy?
Encouraging international students to settle permanently helps address demographic challenges and supports economic growth in sectors like healthcare and technology.
Why is immigration important for Canada?
Immigration helps to balance the aging population, ensuring younger Canadians do not bear disproportionate financial burdens to sustain public benefits.
Read our immigration guide for more detailed information about immigration processes and policies.
