On February 12, 2021, IRCC announced that international students who complete their entire postsecondary program online will be eligible for the three-year open work permit after graduation. According to the new policy, studies completed outside Canada by December 31, 2021, will count towards a future PGWP and allow international students to get PGWP. The academic programs must be completed during 2020-2021. Additionally, students must possess a study permit or approval for a study permit.

In 2017, Canada adopted a new strategy for attracting more international students. The total number of students in the country increased three times since then. Because of the pandemic, the government decided to use it as an opportunity and recruit even more students.