The number of Indian students obtaining study permits in Canada has surged significantly, with Ottawa granting four times more permits compared to two years ago. This increase is attributed to relaxed policies allowing online course completion and changes in health restrictions, making it easier for students to relocate. Canadian officials recognize the contribution of international students, alongside measures such as extended work permit eligibility for those affected by the pandemic.

1. Increase in Indian students as study permit holders in Canada
The unpredictable Covid situation worldwide has definitely had an impact on the dreams of lakhs of
students aspiring to study abroad. However, with decrease in cases, International governments are also
decreasing restrictions. Covid-19 might have brought about increase in positive cases but it also brought
about a positive increase in the number of Indian students holding study permits. According to statistics,
Ottawa has been granting 4 times more study permits to Indian students as of now than it was two
years ago.
Official statistics from the Canadian High Commission in Delhi, India for the first four months of this year
show that Canada issued almost 100,000 study permits for the period that ended Apr. 30. That’s up
almost 4.2 per cent from the 96,000 for the comparable four-month period in 2019. The upswing in the
number of study permits issued to Indian international students is also up by more than a third, or 35.4
per cent, almost 34,000, for that period compared to the same four months last year.
While the statistics are numeral, the reason for this sudden rise may be the changes in the study policy
of Canada allowing students to complete a 100% of their courses online. Some of the reasons behind
this surge might also be:
Relaxation by ICCRC: The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has
relaxed its online study policy by allowing students to complete a 100% of their courses online in
case they couldn’t do the same in Canada owing to border closure.
Ottawa has also relaxed the health and border restrictions that used to limit student movement
in Canada. Moreover, the compulsion on students having to have a 3-night quarantine stay in a
government designated hotel has been relaxed since Aug 9, 2021 making a 14 day quarantine
still compulsory at accommodation of the student’s choice.
In statements issues by ICCRC regarding the same it has been said that the Government of
Canada acknowledges the value that international students add to Canada and the benefits
Canada has to offer students in terms of degrees.
Students allowed to apply for Open Work Permits: Canadian
Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino gave a boon to international students who might have
missed the chance of qualifying for an Open Work Permit because of the economic downfall
during the pandemic. Students holding a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) were offered the
chance to apply for an Open Work permit which would allow them to gather the experience and
credentials necessary for the process of permanent residency.
Further solving the problems of International students who’s PGWP had expired after January
30, 2020 an extension of 6 months was given to these students to apply for an Open Work
Permit.
While taking such valuable efforts Mendicino also stated that he didn’t just want international
students to study in Canada but also wanted them to stay there.
While the reasons for the increase in students are clear, there are still a few restrictions to be
remembered. The direct route of flights for Indian students are restricted till 21st
of September
2021 owing to the non-recognizance of the Bharat biotech Covaxin vaccination.

2. However, students are allowed to take an indirect route via a third country. The requirements
for which will be obtaining a Covid test 72 hours prior to their arrival in Canada.
Travelers who had Covid-19 prior to immigrating to Canada, are required to submit their
molecular reports conducted between 14-90 days prior to their arrival in Canada.
While the indirect routes are expensive and time consuming the aftermath of arriving in Canada
on study permit will definitely be worth all the indirect troubles! Students may also continue
learning online and wait for the restrictions to be uplifted in September to avoid any hassle.
This is just the preface of the vast information and tips Futurelink Consultants has to offer to
students aspiring to study in Canada. Contact Futurelink Consultants for assistance in all
immigration services.