In a further bid to attract foreign students to study in Canada, the Department of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism is expanding the online resources available to students from abroad.

Students are now able to apply online for extensions to their student visas, and can also apply for an off-campus work permit. These new possibilities have been made available to foreign students in the wake of a successful pilot scheme which resulted in 6,000 online applications being lodged.

The service is now available in over 200 institutions throughout Canada, and students can check online to see if they are available to extend their visas. 

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney praised the initiative for its role in encouraging a greater number of students to study in Canada and potentially remain working in the country thereafter.

“We want Canada to be the destination of choice for international students,” Minister Kenney said, continuing, “Our new e-services are yet another way our government is working towards attracting and retaining international students.”

“Our new e-Services will facilitate the application process, improve employment opportunities and contribute to long-term integration,” Mr Kenney added.