The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made changes in the timeline of study permit applications. Students who plan to join the fall 2021 intake must take note of the changes in the processing of study permits for Canada:
Complete study permit applications must be received by May 15, 2021 to get a decision by August 6, 2021, to attend the fall semester.
The IRCC reiterates that late or incomplete submissions may not be processed in time due to the skeletal workforce in visa application centres and other offices. While the IRCC will still process complete applications submitted after the May 15 deadline, there is no promise of receiving a final decision in time for the students to attend the fall semester.
As a strict measure to prevent the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, Canada implements stringent measures. Only designated learning institutions (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan with expressed approval from the province or territory can accept international students. Students still have to adhere to the mandatory 14-day quarantine and present a negative COVID-19 test. While COVID-19 vaccination passports are planned in place, the terms of their use are yet to be decided.
All international students should communicate with their agents on how they can move forward with their applications.
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