Canada Is Accepting Incomplete Study Permit and PGWP Applications

Some international students may not be able to send all the documentation needed for their study permit or application for the post-diploma work permit, so Canada will keep their files open until they can.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced many centres of application to shut down or limit their operations. Consequently, some applicants for a research permit are unable to complete three essential components of their application:

• Giving biometrics
• Having medical examinations
• Submitting original travel documents

In light of the circumstances, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) say they won’t deny applications for research permits that are missing documents as a result of disruptions to coronavirus service.

Read More: International Students are Still Eligible for PGWP with Online Courses, Canada

They will instead keep the request open and continue to seek further relevant documentation or appropriate measures before we obtain the documents or provide proof that an action has been taken.

The temporary measure also applies to candidates who can not get a graduation letter or a final transcript from their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for post-diploma work permit (PGWP).

If foreign canidates apply for the PGWP before their study permit expires but are unable to submit the full application due to the closure of the DLI, they can start working full time until a decision is made.

They will also need to submit a letter of explanation explaining that they are not in a position to request the documents due to their school closure. When applicant’s documents are available, they can send them via the IRCC web form, which promotes contact between Canada’s Department of Immigration and immigration applicants.

Read More: Canada: International Students Can Still Apply for Post-Study Work Permit After Completing Course by Distance Learning

IRCC also requires applicants to reinstate their status without a completion letter or a final transcript. Applicants restored to their status are not allowed to work while the request is being processed.

Canadian post-secondary institutions may be required to close or cancel classes, following health and social distance restrictions. International students would, therefore, have to place their studies on hold or study part-time.

Canadian post-secondary institutions may be required to close or postpone courses, despite health and social distance constraints. Consequently, international students may have to put their studies on hold or study part-time.

The PGWP is relevant since it allows international students to acquire work experience in Canada. This work experience helps them to apply for more immigration outlets under the Express Entry and Provincial Candidate Program (PNP) preferences.

Canada recently announced a significant change to offer more access to PGWP to international students wishing to continue their Canadian immigration journey this fall.