We are living unprecedented and uncertain times. At EC Montreal we want you to know that you are not alone. We are all in this together and doing our best to cope and to press despite the current situation. As you may know, EC Montreal is a proud member of Languages Canada. Languages Canada is our accreditation body that ensures its members are compliant with all our standards and offering quality education and services in all areas; academic, accommodation, activities, pastoral care, marketing and administration.
During this pandemic, we have been meeting regularly under the leadership of Languages Canada. They have also been trying to answer questions from government and helping its members cope. They recently contacted the IRCC and have received answers to our questions. Please find them below.
LC Question
If a student’s school ends up closing completely, and the student chooses not to continue their studies but is unable to leave, what are their options? Note: we normally offer students in this situation a transfer to another member who is willing to take them, but normally they also have the option to return home. In this case, they may not have that option.
IRCC Answer
Should the school close permanently as a consequence of COVID-19, for the purpose of assessing if a student is enrolled and actively pursuing their studies, any time taken to transition to a new program, change status or leave Canada should not exceed 150 days from the date the school closed. If the student does not intend to enroll in a new program of study and is unable to leave the country, they must apply for a visitor record or a work permit, if they are eligible to apply from within Canada.
LC Question
Could you confirm that online studies undertaken from outside of Canada are considered as “actively pursuing studies” for the purposes of maintaining the validity of a study permit?
IRCC Answer
Under normal circumstances, if the study permit holder left Canada, they are no longer subject to their study permit conditions. However, due to travel restrictions, IRCC acknowledges that study permit holders may be unable to travel to Canada and want to continue their program through distance learning overseas. If students are pursuing their studies via distance learning while outside Canada for the Winter / Summer 2020 semesters due to change in course delivery at a DLI, they will be considered to be actively pursuing their studies. Consideration is still being given to how the evolving situation with respect to COVID-19 will impact the fall 2020 semester.
LC Question
Is it possible to switch from a visitor’s visa to a study permit while outside of Canada? [this question was related to shorter term visa applicants, who had applied and received their visa prior to March 18th].
IRCC Answer
If the person is physically outside Canada, they cannot apply for a change of status or an extension. They will need to apply for an initial study permit from outside Canada, and follow the application guide 5269- Applying for a Study permit outside Canada.
If you had any of these doubts concerning your status in Canada, we hope the questions above helped to answer some of your questions. If you have any additional questions, please do reach out to us on Teams before or after your French or English online lessons on EC virtual.