Canada approves 56,000 study permits for international students

Feel Good

25 Sep 2020

Canada approves 56,000 study permits for international students — People decorate their tractors ahead of a Canada Day drive-by parade on July 1, 2020 in Newcastle, Canada. While most events marking the 153rd anniversary of Confederation across the country have been cancelled or moved online due to the spread of the coronavirus, the village of Newcastle encouraged residents to celebrate from their homes as a drive-by parade snaked through the village in order to comply with social distancing measures. Source: Cole Burston/Getty Images/AFP

As many as 56,000 have received their first-stage Canada study permits as of Sept. 22, 2020, according to immigration minister Marco Mendicino. Besides this latest approval of Canada study permits, he said the federal government is also working with designated learning institutions (DLI) to discern the best way to welcome international students back to campuses during the pandemic.

During a recent Canadian International Council webinar, Mendicino said that Minister Patty Hajdu is working to ensure each DLI has met the public health requirements of their province and territory. This is the first step in ensuring campuses are safe for students to return to this year.

This would include figuring out whether DLIs are able to facilitate quarantine and social distancing. All students who return will have to quarantine for 14 days. Though DLIs want to welcome international students during the pandemic, Canada’s travel restrictions have prevented them from entering the country and significantly slowed down the approval of Canada study permits.

International students enrich our culture & communities, and contribute $22B to 🇨🇦’s economy. I joined the @TheCIC for a valuable discussion on Canada’s efforts, strategies, successes and pandemic-related challenges around international education. pic.twitter.com/YYHuwmE8ba

— Marco Mendicino (@marcomendicino) September 22, 2020

What will it take to get Canada study permits approved?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) only approves study permit applications once a student has been accepted into a DLI. Therefore, you must present your letter of acceptance, as well as proof of funds that you can support yourself and your studies throughout your time in Canada. According to CIC News, to get stage two study permit approval, students will need to complete a criminal background check, biometrics and medical exam once they are able to travel to Canada.