Permits & Visas

August 2020 – In response to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision to allow students to study prior to formal visa approval, Mohawk College will allow students to register from their home country and begin virtual classes this fall with a Stage 1 Approval in Principle (AIP) from IRCC. AIP students will need to submit proof of their AIP, through the online request form sent to all students, acknowledging their understanding of the terms and conditions associated with their registration.  Following the submission students will receive details on how to register and select their timetable.

As there is no guarantee that a student will receive his or her full study permit approval both students, partners and institutions take on considerable risk.  In order to support all parties we have implemented a new set of processes and policies to ensure everyone is supported and aware of the advantages and risks associated with this opportunity. Please review the Students Applying for a Study Permit webpage on the Mohawk College website for further important details.

Please check the Fall 2020 Program Delivery webpage to find out how your program will be delivered this fall.

The IRCC has provided the following update: "Students who are overseas are not prohibited from starting their studies and studying online (from abroad) without being in possession of a valid study permit approval (and without having entered Canada). A study permit, or a study permit approval, is required, however in relation to their studies contributing to PGWP programme eligibility. A study permit is also required if a student wants/needs to enter Canada to complete program requirements."

The Government of Canada recently implemented a new, temporary 2-stage approval process for study permit applications:

"The temporary process will allow applicants to count the time spent studying online abroad towards their post-graduation work permit once they receive an approval-in-principle, as long as they are able to satisfy all requirements and receive the full approval of their study permit application at a later date. As services begin to reopen, applicants will be required to submit remaining documents and receive an approved study permit before being allowed to travel to Canada."  Please see the IRCC announcement website for full details.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the following: “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 students already studying in Canada or whose program had a spring or summer start date. 

Students in this situation may begin their classes while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of their program via distance learning if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. 

In addition, they will not have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada, up to December 31, 2020.”

Note students who are overseas are not prohibited from starting their studies and studying online (from abroad) without being in possession of a valid study permit approval. A study permit, or a study permit approval, is required, however in relation to their studies contributing to PGWP programme eligibility. A study permit is also required if a student wants/needs to enter Canada to complete program requirements.

The Government of Canada recently implemented a new, temporary 2-stage approval process for study permit applications:

"The temporary process will allow applicants to count the time spent studying online abroad towards their post-graduation work permit once they receive an approval-in-principle, as long as they are able to satisfy all requirements and receive the full approval of their study permit application at a later date. As services begin to reopen, applicants will be required to submit remaining documents and receive an approved study permit before being allowed to travel to Canada."  Please see the IRCC announcement website for full details.

Also see the IRCC International Students page which states that "You’re still eligible for a PGWP if you have a study permit or have applied or been approved for one" and that "After you apply for your study permit, any time spent studying online from outside Canada now counts toward the length of a PGWP. (Before, only the time spent studying online after you were approved for a study permit counted.)"

August 2020 – In response to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decision to allow students to study prior to formal visa approval, Mohawk College will allow students to register from their home country and begin virtual classes this fall with a Stage 1 Approval in Principle (AIP) from IRCC. AIP students will need to submit proof of their AIP, through the online request form sent to all students, acknowledging their understanding of the terms and conditions associated with their registration.  Following the submission students will receive details on how to register and select their timetable.

As there is no guarantee that a student will receive his or her full study permit approval both students, partners and institutions take on considerable risk.  In order to support all parties we have implemented a new set of processes and policies to ensure everyone is supported and aware of the advantages and risks associated with this opportunity. Please review the Students Applying for a Study Permit webpage on the Mohawk College website for further important details.

Please see the IRCC website for full details.