Flexible post-grad work rules for international students studying at DeGroote
May 21, 2020 ·
Contributed by: Rebecca Hull, Marketing and Communications Strategist
Share
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a considerable impact on international students. Although the current circumstances are challenging, the DeGroote School of Business wants to share some good news for international students about Fall 2020 programs.
The Government of Canada has recently announced that there have been changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for international graduate students studying at Canadian universities this fall.
Under normal circumstances, criteria for the PGWPP limit an international student’s ability to pursue a program via distance learning, from inside or outside Canada, and time spent studying outside Canada is deducted from the length of the work permit for which they are eligible post graduation.
PGWPP eligibility will not be affected for international students whose fall 2020 courses will be online due to COVID-19. This is in line with guidance provided to international students already studying in Canada or whose program had a spring or summer start date.
International students studying in fall 2020 courses via distance learning due to Covid-19 may complete up to 50% of their programs overseas if they cannot travel to Canada sooner in 2020. Time will not be deducted from future post-graduate permits, the government’s announcement added.
Our graduate students will benefit from the increased flexibility of the updated policy, allowing them to start their programs online without reducing the amount of time remaining on their work permits once they’re able to come to Canada,” says Khaled Hassanein, Associate Dean (Graduate Studies & Research). “Students can have some peace of mind knowing that they can begin their studies from their home countries despite the current travel restrictions.
International students can plan to join DeGroote programs and attend remotely this fall until travel restrictions are lifted. While distance learning, they will have access to a community of leading business experts, a supportive student experience team, and professional development opportunities.
For more information about the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, click here.
Students can get direct updates on the situation by visiting McMaster’s response on COVID-19 and the official Government of Ontario website for COVID-19.
