International students who are missing documents for their study permit applications will not be refused if it is the result of coronavirus closures.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many application centres to close or limit their operations. As a result, some study permit applicants are unable to complete three essential components of their application: biometrics, medical exams, and submitting original travel documents.
Given the circumstances, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will not refuse study permit applications that are missing documents as a result of coronavirus service disruptions.
Instead, the application will be kept open. IRCC will continue requesting the additional supporting documents, or necessary actions until they receive the documents or are provided proof that the applicant has taken action toward completing the application.
The temporary measure will allow international students some flexibility in submitting study permit applications.
IRCC is still accepting study permit applications from students who want to study in Canada. International students whose study permits were approved after March 18 will be sent a push notification advising them that they may not be exempt from temporary travel restrictions, and they should not make plans to travel to Canada until restrictions are lifted.
Online study at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) will not hurt any future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application for international students whose programs start in May and June, or in the fall semester.