The beginning of McGill’s remote semester has been especially challenging for international students, who faced the additional barriers of visas, study permits, and border closures. International students will continue to face unique hurdles throughout the rest of the year, as many struggle accessing courses, academic help, and course materials from their homes across the globe.

For starters, it has become increasingly difficult to simply obtain a study permit. Many application and biometrics centres are closed due to public health restrictions. In response, the Canadian government launched a two-stage assessment process for study permits in July. The first stage of approval allows students to start their studies online, while the second stage approval requires students to complete the pending process and present their biometrics and medical documents to the visa officer. While school started three weeks ago, some students have not been granted their first stage approval until now.
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