Losing a job is deeply shocking, as it essentially means a loss of livelihood. You lose the ability to support not only yourself but your family. The emotional impact of it can be crippling, but it also stretches to many aspects, including financial stress. COVID-19 has hit the entire world badly, causing millions of people to lose their jobs. The scenario is also gruesome for many foreign nationals, especially ones who struggle to keep up with finances. They are worried about being jobless, especially since it will impact their application for Canadian immigration—you may be one of them, but there are several ways you can still be allowed to stay in Canada. 

Questions surrounding how to immigrate to Canada has always been the concern, but now you may be looking for ways to stay in Canada. Many foreigners with work permits are encouraged to extend these permits by applying for new ones. Others are recommended to change work permits into a visitor or student visas. For these circumstances, however, it’s important to act before your existing visa expires. 

If you’ve been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are left jobless, here are the two best options that can help you stay longer in Canada:

1 – The Canadian government allows temporary residents to stay under conditions

According to the rules, temporary residents in the country holding either work or study permits can continue to stay in Canada, provided that they have already submitted their application renewals. Moreover, they will be required to follow their original status until the Canadian immigration department releases a verdict on the application.

Should the Canadian government approve the application, a foreign national will be allowed to continue to study or work as allowed by the new permit visa. Should the individual fail to get permission, he will be allowed to submit another application within 90 days before the expiry of the original permit or leave the country. It’s important to note that as you await the Canadian immigration’s decision, you will not be allowed to work or study.

If you’re a temporary resident and are now jobless due to the crisis, you can benefit from this implied status. You are permitted to stay in the country until your application is approved.

2 – If your job depends on a work permit, you will be allowed to stay indefinitely

If you’re holding a closed work permit or the employer-specific work permit, you will be allowed to stay in Canada until your work permit expires. In other words, foreign nationals will be able to continue their stay in the country despite losing their jobs until the last date of the work permit. Unfortunately, these individuals cannot look for other employment opportunities. 

If you wish to work for a new employer, an application for a new closed work permit is necessary, as this allows you to apply for a new job. If you’re a holder of an open work permit, you are allowed to work with and apply other employers in Canada, as well as apply for permanent residency. 

Conclusion

Although many people have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government continues to look for ways to address long-term economic challenges, which include shortages in the labour market and the ageing workforce. Immigration is one of the best solutions to these challenges, which is why the government continues to look for ways to support, accept, and process applications for potential immigrants. 

If you need Toronto immigration lawyers, we are the firm to call. Please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472!

Moving abroad is a huge decision and requires a lot of research and proper planning. You cannot just move to another country with a backpack and a passport. There are legal documents that you need to pass, and visas require approval. However, a requirement that sometimes gets overlooked is the money you’ll need to bring to the country of your choice.

If you’re considering emigrating, one of the best places you can move to is Canada. It’s full of amazing cultures and different opportunities for your career or education. If you’ve been working on moving to Canada, you probably have spoken to Canadian immigration services, and have all your documents ready. Now, all you’ll need to collect is the money you’ll require to help settle into your new life. 

Here’s what you need to know about the fees and the process to move to Canada:

Are you going alone, or are you taking your family with you?

Canada is one of the most affordable countries you can immigrate to compared to Australia, the UK, and the US. For instance, if you’re a family of four, you’ll have to pay CAD$11,000 less than the required fee if you move to Australia. So, you can save a considerable amount of money by choosing to move to Canada.

If you’re moving alone, express entry candidates are required to pay CAD$12,960. Also, you’ll have to pay additional fees depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. 

The Canadian government requires resident applicants to have sufficient savings to survive the first few months in Canada with or without a job.

Look into the Express Entry system for a smoother experience

If you’re a skilled worker, the easiest way to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system created by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship in Canada (IRCC). Building an Express Entry system account has no fee. The only time that you’ll have to shell out some money is when you’ll have to submit an ITA and pay CAD$825 visa application fee. This fee includes additional charges if you’re adding your spouse or common-law partner. 

Pay all the fees right away to avoid delays

Another fee that you’ll want to pay immediately is your Right of Permanent Resident fee. This fee costs CAD$500, which you can pay when you submit your application for processing. Should you be denied, you will automatically be refunded. Even so, when you pay as you submit your forms and the Canadian government approves your application, you are automatically a Canadian resident.

There are other fees for different visas

Another way to be able to move to Canada without the commitment of being a resident right away is to apply for a visitor visa or a work permit. That is a great way to dip your toes in Canada’s culture without the pressure of permanent residency. The great thing about this is that you’ll have a higher chance of getting Canadian residency if you’ve had work experience.

Conclusion

These are only a few of the necessary information you’ll need to move forward with your plans to immigrate to Canada. It is best to speak to an immigration consultant about your plans to guide you through the whole immigration process properly. Gathering your documents for the application is easy, but collecting your funds is another question. The best way to move forward quickly is to start saving money now and plan your next big move with the right people.

Bright Immigration is a team of professional immigration consultants in Toronto. We are recognized by the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and Law Society of Upper Canada. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Everyone wants to improve their quality of life and have a fresh start. For many people, one of the best ways to achieve that is by living in a new country. Canada is a popular destination for international migrants because it boasts beautiful scenery, a stable and robust economy, extensive career and educational opportunities, exceptional universal healthcare, and more. 

Unfortunately, since Canada is an ideal place to live in, some people try to scam those desperate to lead a better life by tricking these aspiring immigrants that they are being led to the easiest way to immigrate to Canada. Today, immigration fraud is considered as one of the most common crimes on the internet. 

How Do Fraudsters Trick Potential Immigrants?

Fraudsters trick hopeful potential immigrants by pretending that legitimate immigration agencies were assisting them with their Canadian immigration applications. As a result, these clients are more likely to be left with a huge amount of debt and, worse, a potential ban on applying for permanent residency in Canada for several years.

What Are the Top Warning Signs of Immigration Frauds?

You must look out for warning signs that can help you avoid falling victim to immigration fraud. Before proceeding any further, look for the following when visiting websites of immigration companies:

• They seem too good to be true

Processing immigration applications can be tedious and complicated, which means they can take time. Also, there are no guarantees that your application will be approved right away. Therefore, when you see immigration companies that advertise or promise that they can process your application a lot more quickly than others can or can guarantee success, it is more likely an immigration scam. Exit the webpage immediately and look for a reliable immigration company.

• Their website has no padlock icon in the address bar

The lack of the padlock icon in the address bar is one of the clear indications that the immigration company is more likely to be fake. The padlock icon is important because it signifies that the website you are visiting is secure, and your information is safe and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

• They charge for visa forms

When the company requires you to pay for visa forms, it is a clear warning sign of immigration fraud. Don’t proceed when you see they charge for forms, as this can leave you with a massive hole in your bank account.

• They receive several complaints and negative reviews

Scam sites are more likely to receive lots of negative feedback and complaints. Before seeking any Canadian immigration service, do online research and check their website and social media presence. Look for reviews and testimonials to see what their clients are saying about them.

Conclusion

Your immigration company can make or break your chances of living a comfortable life in Canada that you have always dreamed of. Because of that, it is crucial to stay careful and be vigilant when searching for immigration consultants and services. Watch out for the warnings discussed above.

If you’re looking for the professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Admittedly, the task of applying for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency visa can quickly come off as a long-winded experience that is nothing short of complicated. 

Although Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has doubled down on its efforts to accept even more applicants, the complexity of the country’s immigration system still leaves room for challenging experiences. As a result of these difficulties, many spouses have felt discouraged even to consider applying in the first place— but this shouldn’t be the case. 

Debunking various spousal sponsorship myths

Unfortunately, all the myths about the current Canadian spousal citizenship application process don’t make the experience any easier because they can easily mislead unsuspecting aspirants. 

Thankfully, in situations like this where you’re preparing for a brand-new life ahead in a land of greener pastures, a little education and clarification can quickly go a long way. If you and your spouse want to get a headstart on living your best lives in the Great White North, here are the misconceptions that you need to avoid falling for: 

Myth #1: You can’t be a permanent resident until your waiting period is finished

Generally speaking, one of the most prevalent misconceptions that you and your spouse will ever hear about moving into Canada is that you’ll need to wait a while before becoming permanent residents. 

Although this was an actual rule for a while, conditional citizenship periods were voted out by Canadians. What essentially results from a move like this is that any applying set of spouses will no longer have to wait for two years, effectively reducing the amount of time it takes to attain citizenship.

Myth #2: You can buy a Canadian spousal sponsorship

We’re not sure about this kind of system when it comes to anywhere else in the world, but it is impossible to pay a large sum of money to get in front of the line when seeking a spousal sponsorship.

Regardless of how large an applicant’s bank account may be, the Canadian immigration system is fair to all applicants and makes sure everybody gets to wait for their turn. Should an immigration officer find any issues in your application concerning criminal, medical, and national security issues, expect to receive a denial letter from authorities.

If there is someone on the internet or in an office that pedals a promise to “expedite” your spousal sponsorship application process, feel free to report them to the IRCC.

Myth #3: You’ll need to shell out and show a fortune if you want your application to be approved

Now, we’ve all heard horror stories before about how “difficult” or costly it is to live in Canada because of the country’s hot real estate markets and foreign investments. 

It just so happens that these same stories have caused quite a bit of panic for many spousal visa applicants. This can give off the idea that an application won’t be accepted unless it is paired with a small fortune, but this shouldn’t be the case. 

Generally speaking, Canadian immigration law is quite lenient when it comes to meeting set standards so that you can financially qualify to help your spouse make a move. If you want to help your spouse seek Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, you’ll need to sign an undertaking agreement that promises you can take care of specific needs like: 

• Food
• Clothing
• Shelter
• Other necessities for everyday living

Conclusion

For any couple that wants to seek a better life abroad, it can seem like Canada is a “hard-to-reach” option because of all the systems it has in place, but even more so when misconceptions are taken into consideration. When you take the myths about spousal sponsorships into mind, debunk them and set them aside; you’ll realize that it’s a lot easier than you think! 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

A lot of dreams and plans have been put on hold because of the current pandemic. Many are still trying to make adjustments, settling to this new normal lifestyle, and looking for ways to squeeze in a bit of normalcy while staying safe. However, if moving to another country is still something you want to do and is still part of your plan despite the pandemic, we’ve got some good news for you. 

Canada is one of the countries that made the necessary adjustments and immediate changes at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Although faced with uncertainty, the Canadian government is aware that many people want to improve their quality of life. Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, the federal government has invited thousands of eligible candidates to apply for permanent residence. Thankfully, these numbers continue to increase every month, and immigration agencies are more than happy to help interested applicants. 

If you want to keep moving forward and improve your life, moving to Canada right now is a great option that you should consider. If you need a little bit of convincing, this article has a list of reasons you should pack your bags and move to Canada. 

Better education

Even before the pandemic, education was one of Canada’s biggest priorities. In the past year, Canada has welcomed hundreds of thousands of international students, and more than 50,000 formal international students have become Canadian residents. During the pandemic, Canada has continued to show support to international students, and they have made it even easier to submit applications for a study permit. 

Many career opportunities have opened to people who immigrated to Canada for studies. Luckily, the federal government has continued to see the importance of education, especially during these times, making it ideal to further your education and your career through studying abroad. 

The economy is getting back on its feet

Because of this pandemic, many people lost their jobs and businesses. This is something the Canadian government is well aware of and have taken necessary actions to remedy this.

Last June, the Canadian government added over a million job openings for people in the country. A strong job market and economy would only mean that the demand for foreign workers will increase. 

Since there is an increase in demand for workers, the government has already resumed Express Entry draws and has allowed applications for Federal Skilled Workers and Federal Skilled Trades. 

It’s easy to make Canada your home

The great thing about Canada is that they are aware of the benefits a foreign skilled worker contributes to their country. They know that skilled workers treat Canada as their home. Therefore, the government has made it easier for skilled workers to apply for permanent residence.

If granted a permanent residence as a skilled worker, you can live and work in Canada and even access universal healthcare and social services. 

Canada can help you reach your goals and dreams

Over the past few years, Canada has welcomed millions of immigrants and has helped them improve their quality of life. Despite being in the middle of a pandemic, Canada urges people to apply for visas and programs that can help advance their careers and studies.

Thankfully, immigration consultants in Toronto are supporting people to continue sending in their applications. They are continually reminding people that they shouldn’t worry about the limitations brought by the pandemic. 

Conclusion

Many people have resorted to forget their plans or accept that reaching their dreams may be delayed because of COVID-19. However, Canada is reminding people to look past limitations and see this hurdle as an excellent opportunity to better your life. If you’re thinking of beginning your Canadian immigration journey, you should look for a reputable and reliable immigration agency to help you through this process. Some doors may have closed, but Canada’s doors are still open for you. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

In times where global unrest continues to linger for many of those in troubled countries, the idea of immigrating easily presents itself as one well worth considering.

As opposed to the past where leaving one’s country when situations turned for the worse was frowned upon, the opportunity to emigrate to a better quality of life is now encouraged. Out of all the different countries that promote such possibilities, Canada has managed to stand out as one of the most popular locations for immigration.

For families separated by borders of citizenship, the Canadian immigration process is, by far, the most accommodating one out of all. Among the thousands of applications that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) receives every week, spouse visa applications are one of the most popular entries. While each case may have its uniqueness, the acceptance rates of spouses applying for citizenship or permanent residency continue to grow each year!

Sent in your spousal sponsorship application last 2019? Here are a few factors to consider

During this time, it’s vital to note that applications made in 2019 or 2020 are now being dealt with far more carefully by the IRCC, meaning that the processing has varied for this specific batch of applicants. If you’ve made an application on behalf of your spouse within the past year, it’s essential to get familiar with what may be different for your experience this time around: 

On the idea of processing time

When it comes to understanding what has changed concerning Canadian spousal visas, the main difference is the processing time you’re expected to go through. Although the Canadian visa processing time for inland and outland applications was set at an average of 12 months in 2016, the CIC expects this period to grow slightly bigger for 2019/2020 applications.

What will affect the duration of your spouse visa processing?

Generally, several factors may affect the overall duration of your spouse visa processing time and further extend it. Here are several crucial components in further detail:

1. The completeness of your application

During any Canadian visa application process, a complete application gets processed faster, and such is the case for spousal applications. As opposed to other types of visa applications, applying couples are implored to provide additional proof of their relationship’s legitimacy with photos, videos, emails, or messages. 

Spousal requests call for a complete submission because the agent requires as much data as possible to deliberate on whether they should affix a stamp of approval. By working with an immigration expert—such as Bright Immigration—you can cut down the level of risk and speed up your application process by ensuring that your documents are complete!

2. The location of the applicant

Depending on where the applicant is coming from, the IRCC’s total time to process a spouse visa can vary because of the various legalities and details that may be involved. You can learn more about how the location of your spouse can affect the duration of the process by giving the IRCC’s designated tool a try!

3. The number of people applying

In 2020, it’s essential to expect further delays on your spouse visa processing time as the current period has recovered the highest amount of applications that the CIC has seen. If your current batch of applications has a fewer number than those found in others, then you may experience a quicker processing time!

Conclusion

When it comes to estimating the overall amount of time that it takes for the CIC to process your Canadian spouse visa application, it’s vital to consider that the prescribed period may be longer if you applied in 2019 or 2020. By following this guide, you’ll be able to get a more realistic and well-informed understanding of how much longer you may have to wait before getting the letter that gives the go-signal!

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

There’s no denying that the current COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted travels to Canada and to other countries around the world. As the coronavirus crisis continues to take the world by storm, the Canadian government has set guidelines for travels to the country amid the global pandemic.

In this article, we will explore the latest updates on travel to Canada, given the pressing situation. Keep on reading to find out more.

The immigration status

The Canadian Minister of Immigration had recently given vital updates regarding the travel to Canada amid the global pandemic. Marco Mendicino provided relevant answers during a Q&A session with the Canadian Bar Association on May 5th, 2020. He said that the annual immigration levels plan would be presented this fall after robust consultations with various stakeholders are conducted.

The Minister also underscored the country’s long-standing policy of welcoming immigration, even during and after the outbreak. He mentioned the country’s past economic and demographic challenges and how it has still managed to rise above the situation. Ultimately, he stressed that immigration would be the key to the country’s success and economic recovery.

Ongoing CIC operation

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have continued its operation despite the global pandemic. However, the application process for immigration has dwindled due to the need for the CIC to work remotely. Some adjustments have yet to be made for a seamless operation. 

Because of this, immigration applicants will have to extend their patience during this crucial period. It’s best to check with an immigration consultant to see the status of their applications and to know what directions to take.

Priority on Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP)

One notable announcement is how those who are in the TFWP are given priority. This is because agricultural and seafood employees need to be secured in order to regulate and maintain the country’s food supply. 

At the same time, the Canadian government is looking for ways to provide flexibility around work permits. Likewise, it seeks ways to eliminate barriers existing abroad that hinder workers from returning to the country.

Flexibility for international students

Another important consideration is how international students are given options to continue their education in the face of the global pandemic. In fact, the government was lauded for its current international student policies that are tailored-fit for this period.

A good example of this is the recent Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) reform that allows international students to take online courses to retain professional eligibility. Moreover, the CIC has on-ongoing negotiations to set a robust course of action to help international students who are poised to return to the country in September for the fall semester.

Conclusion

It’s wonderful news to see that Canada has always been welcoming to people from across the globe, even so during this global pandemic. However, be sure to consider all the valuable information discussed above and wait for further travel updates from the Canadian government. 

Ultimately, it’s best to deal with an immigration agency to see what directions to take and ensure you’ll be on the right track regarding your travel plans to Canada.

We have a team of immigration consultants in Toronto that can help ease your worries. Please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

During the process of sponsoring a foreign spouse for permanent residency in Canada, you will need to present the necessary documents to make the application successful. In the case of spouses applying with dependent children, however, both the parent and their children must have the necessary criminal and medical checks to successfully emigrate to the country. 

Generally, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is clear regarding this rule as they strictly implement the importance of having all family members being “declared and examined” on their application form. This particular guideline entails having to get medical and criminal checks for each child in the applying party even if they are 18 years old and also covers children in the custody of a former spouse. 

When this essential rule isn’t followed, the children in question must remain to their home country with their other parent or an authorized representative. Although the guideline on children and accompanying documents is straightforward, there are some cases wherein a sponsored spouse cannot comply. 

One situation that has grown more common, in particular, is when the spouse being sponsored has children that are shared with a spouse who is unwilling to maintain contact or allow access to the child. Although the situation may be force majeure in nature, applying spouses are still urged to find any way to help an estranged child undergo a medical exam.

A few do’s and don’ts to consider

If you’re currently facing this situation and need an effective solution, here are a few tips to help you overcome it properly: 

Don’t leave your sponsored spouse’s child off the application form: Given the severity of the situation, many applicants tend to rush through the process by leaving their child off the form, but this can jeopardize the application. In doing so, your sponsored spouse may be deemed inadmissible to Canada because it is a clear violation of your obligation to provide accurate and truthful information. This same outcome also applies in faking any medical exam as a last-ditch effort to provide the necessary documents.

Do consider hiring a local lawyer to contact your sponsored spouse’s estranged partner: In most cases, this authoritative alternative can be used to bring up the importance of submitting a child’s medical records. With the help of a competent professional, it will be much easier to help the estranged spouse or partner understand why the child needs to undergo a medical exam.

Do collect any piece of evidence showing their estranged partner’s non-compliance: If you find yourself in a situation wherein no effort is successful in getting the medical exam done, then the best course of action is to gather as much evidence to show why it isn’t possible. Certain documents, such as emails, texts, or letters that document the ex-partner’s refusal, notarized and signed documents of admission to non-compliance, sworn declarations or affidavits, or child custody documents will suffice as evidence showing estranged partner’s non-compliance.

Conclusion

Dealing with a situation wherein you can’t have your sponsored spouse’s children take a mandatory medical exam can prove to be exhausting and difficult. By following the three tips mentioned above, however, you can smoothen out the process and make it much easier to get the necessary documents with a gentle force that has the least amount of conflict possible.

Are you currently dealing with a situation that is making much more difficult to successfully have your sponsored spouse or family member emigrate to Canada?

If you’re looking for professional help from our team of immigration consultants in Toronto contact info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.

Planning to move to Canada in 2021? Specific changes have been made due to the global pandemic, but the country is expected to relax its closures to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents and hundreds of thousands of temporary workers and students this year. 

There are many ways to immigrate to Canada, but a few stand out this year. Here are five popular options for immigrants to consider in 2021. 

• Express Entry

Designed for skilled workers, Express Entry expected individuals under this type of immigration pathway to contribute to Canada’s economy for the long haul. They plan to welcome over 100,000 new permanent residents through Express Entry in 2021. With that, three programs fall under this particular immigration system: 

• Federal Skilled Worker: With foreign work experience
• Canadian Experience Class: With Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Trades: With employment or licensing in Canada

Express Entry is a highly competitive immigration system. Your application will be based on several factors, such as: 

• Language Ability
• Level of Education
• Work Experience
• Canadian Connections

The eligibility requirements follow a point system with a total of 1,200 points. Only the ones with the highest scores will be invited to submit their applications through Express Entry Draws. 

If you get an application invitation, you and your accompanying family members can apply directly for Canadian permanent resident status. The applications are processed in less than six months. 

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

PNPs are mini-immigration programs organized by various provinces and territories in the country. Canada aims to welcome more than 80,000 new permanent residents through PNPs this year. 

PNPs allow provinces to implement immigration programs that are designed to meet their needs. Therefore, each province in Canada has different PNP streams. There are four types of PNP streams: 

• Job Offer
• In-Demand Occupations
• Connection to the Province
• Business/Entrepreneur

• Work Permits

Canadian work permits allow an individual to come to the country and work for a specific period. Some work permits enable individuals to change employers and move around the country, while others are tied to a particular employer in a particular location. 

In 2019, the country admitted over 400,000 temporary workers. There are various types of work permits: 

• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Intra-Company transfer
• USMCA or CUSMA

Albeit a work permit only allows temporary residents, it can still be a stepping stone towards permanent status. This is because as a worker in the country, individuals can gain valuable work experience. In turn, this makes them a more competitive candidate for Express Entry or PNPs. 

• Study Permits

Canada is known to have one of the best education systems in the world. In 2019, Canada admitted over 400,000 new international students. 

Coming to Canada as an international student has many benefits. For one, you can work while studying in the country. Another thing is that you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after you finish your studies. This allows international graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can be their stepping stone towards permanent resident status. 

• Family Sponsorship

If you’re in a relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, family sponsorship is a great way to immigrate to Canada in 2021. However, only certain types of relatives are eligible to be sponsored: 

• Spouses
• Common-law partners
• Dependent children

Canada also has a smaller sponsorship program for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

Conclusion

Now that you know the top 5 immigration pathways to Canada in 2021, what are you waiting for? Go on and submit your application. 

If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brighimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472. 

Studying in Canada can be a rewarding experience. Aside from it being an easy way to get into the country, it also offers one of the best educational opportunities due to its high worldwide standing, inclusive programs for all cultural backgrounds, and bilingual formal instruction (English and French). However, many aspiring students and teachers were affected by the global pandemic. Major changes had to take place, and its effect can still be felt today. 

Use this article as your guide to better understand what you need to do if you want to study in Canada. 

What happened to student applications for Canada during 2020? 

The COVID-19 pandemic put face-to-face classes on hold, affecting both currently enrolled students and those considered to take up further schooling. In fact, according to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were only 402,427 study permits issues in 2020, which is half of the total permits for the previous year. 

Additionally, only 11,566 students enjoyed the privilege of becoming permanent residents due to the effects of the global pandemic. For instance, since most students and schools were unprepared for the closing of classrooms, they had to resort to distance learning and encouraged international students to go home to their country of origin. Canadian educators also had a needs assessment and curriculum restructuring to reconfigure how general schoolwork is handled. 

The CIC also implemented some policies to meet international students’ needs by ensuring all were cared for, especially for COVID-19 preparedness. They also followed these temporary changes: 

• All individuals under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) get the chance to extend their qualification period through online training, depending on their studies’ terms and conditions. 
• International students were allowed to have full-time jobs off-campus until August 31, 2020 (there may be extensions or adjustments to this ruling upon further discretion by the IRCC). 
• International students could move to Canada if their education institution has implemented a COVID-19 readiness plan. 
• A student applicant can have an Interim study permit issued while waiting for final decisions regarding their residency status. 

What should I take note of when I apply to study in Canada for 2021? 

One significant difference between 2021 and the previous year is vaccines are being rolled out to different individuals. It means that there could be relaxed social distancing, and face-to-face classroom education may come back. On the other hand, take note that it may take time for Canada and other countries to have the majority of their respective population vaccinated, meaning it will take a while for travel restrictions and COVID-19 screening to be lifted. 

As such, you should be prepared to meet those requirements and expect a mix of in-person and distancing learning. It’s best to consult with a reputable immigration agency to help with student visa concerns and guarantee you stay in the loop about any international student policy changes. 

If you are looking for an ideal education opportunity in Canada for 2021, you may want to consider the PGWP, an open-work permit for recent graduates. Just meet the following requirements to apply: 

• You aren’t a former PGWP holder.
• You had a valid study permit while pursuing your studies.
• You studied for a period of at least eight months, and it was accomplished less than 180 days ago. 
• You were a full-time student in a PGWP-eligible institution.

Conclusion 

Going to Canada to study in 2021 could be your next big step to becoming more prepared for your preferred career path. You just have to make informed decisions since current events have impacted the application process and education system. Remember all the previously mentioned information and look further into the student permit procedure today!

Are you looking for an easy way to enter Canada and pursue higher studies? Consult with us at Bright Immigration. We are your dedicated team of immigration consultants, enabling you to see and take advantage of your options to enhance your personal and professional development. If you’re looking for professional help from a trusted firm, please contact us at info@brightimmigration.com or call 1-888-404-8472.