According to the IRCC website, distance learning (which includes online learning and virtual classes) measures have been extended to August 31, 2023 but in a reduced scope. Under normal circumstances, all distance learning courses completed outside Canada are excluded from the time accumulated toward the length of the PGWP, and 50% of a student’s courses must be completed in Canada and in person.
You can complete up to 100% of your studies online from outside Canada between March 2020 and August 31, 2022, if you meet all of the following:
- You’re enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program.
- You were outside Canada and did not travel to Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic but were still able to take online courses.
- You began a program of study between from March 2020 and August 31, 2022, or your program was already in progress in March 2020.
- You have a study permit or approval for a study permit, or you have applied for a study permit for which you are eventually approved prior to starting your program.
- You can count the time you spent studying after you submitted your initial study permit application, even if it’s refused, as long as you submit another application that is eventually approved before you finish your study program.
Furthermore, if you submitted a study permit application and or you started your program of study between September1, 2022, and August 31, 2023, will continue to be able to complete up to 100% of their program online without affecting their PGWP eligibility. In addition, they should continue to meet the following criteria:
- You must complete at least 50% of your program inside Canada (Online or in-class)
- The time spent studying outside of Canada before August 31, 2023, won’t be deducted from the length of your PGW as long as it constitutes less than 50% of your program of study.
However, if you start your program of study or you applied for a study permit on or after September 1, 2023, you must complete at least 50% of your program in-class inside Canada and the time spent studying outside of Canada will be deducted from the length of your PGWP.
In conclusion, if your courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time you spend studying online from within Canada until August 31, 2023, still counts toward the length of your PGWP. However, it’s highly recommended that you attend in-class options when offered.
You can also find more information about the distance learning from the IRCC website below: