Studying in Canada – Indian and Pakistan Flight Suspension Extended

Those residing in India or Pakistan hoping to study in Canada may be concerned with the recent travel restrictions, suspending all flights from both of these countries until June 21^st, 2021.

These temporary measures have been put into place, ensuring the safety of all those entering Canada, due to the COVID-19 situation in both these countries.

“As the number of COVID-19 cases remain disproportionally high in India and Pakistan, we have extended our flight restrictions and third-country pre-departure testing requirements for these countries. These ongoing measures are in place to help protect Canadians, and manage the elevated risk of imported cases of COVID-19 and variants of concern into Canada during a time of increasing pressure on our health care system.”

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

How Do The India and Pakistan Travel Restrictions Affect Starting a Study Program in Canada?

Due to this temporary security measure, international students who secure a letter of acceptance into a designated learning institute should request the school to indicate that the program can be started remotely from outside Canada. In addition, the acceptance letter should indicate physical presence is required for the January 2022 intake.

Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have yet to release any additional exceptions regarding the processing applications for international students wanting to come study from these two countries. However, the IRCC has recently stated the duration spent studying outside of Canada can be counted towards the overall length of the post-graduation work permit until December 31, 2021.

Processing of Applications Already Submitted for the Fall 2021 Intake

Study permit applications submitted on or before May 15th, 2021, should receive a decision by August 6^th, 2021.

Processing time for applications submitted after May 15^th, 2021, could take up to 8 weeks. In most cases, this does not give the applicant sufficient time before the start date of the program.

Each school has its own deadline by which an applicant needs to submit the IRCC decision. That said, it is important to verify the deadlines indicated by the school and respect them. The applicant should consider deferring their application if a decision has not be rendered by the time classes start.