Returning To Canada: International Students' Guide

Canada has long been a popular destination for international students, offering world-class education, diverse cultural experiences, and promising career opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government issued guidelines to help international students navigate travel restrictions and health and safety protocols. In 2022, the government allowed international students to return to Canadian universities, providing a financial boost to educational institutions. International students contribute significantly to the Canadian economy through tuition fees, housing, and daily expenses. However, recent economic downturns, rising costs of living, and policy changes have led to uncertainties in the international education sector, resulting in a cautious return of foreign students.

COVID-19 guidelines for international students

Canada has allowed international students to return to its universities, despite rising coronavirus rates, to support students and institutions financially. The federal government has issued a COVID-19 guide for international students to outline the health and safety guidelines to be followed during their return.

International students must meet the travel restriction requirements, which vary depending on whether they are entering Canada by air or land. Students must have their travel authorisation and study permit in order. Additionally, they must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their scheduled flight to Canada and present a negative test result to airline officials. Students must also confirm their eligibility for healthcare coverage in Canada and get private insurance with COVID-19 coverage if they are not covered.

Upon arrival in Canada, all international students and their accompanying family members must quarantine for 14 days. During travel to the quarantine location, they must wear a face mask or covering. Students are responsible for creating a quarantine plan, which includes arranging basic necessities such as food and medicine to be delivered. Students may book individual accommodation or live with a host, in which case they must self-isolate in a shared home.

To protect yourself and others from COVID-19, it is important to follow the official guidelines. This includes regularly washing your hands with soap and water, especially after being in a public place, and using hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Maintain a social distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Stay at home if you are sick and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. Keep your house clean and disinfected, and follow any closures or restrictions implemented by schools, universities, shops, and restaurants to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Quarantine requirements

As of June 2024, international students can travel to Canada as long as they meet the following requirements:

International students must confirm their eligibility for healthcare coverage in Canada. If they are not covered, they must get private insurance (with COVID-19 coverage) before arriving in Canada. All students and their accompanying family members must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. Before that, they must wear a face mask or covering during all phases of travel, including to the quarantine location. During the quarantine, students must avoid public spaces and have basic necessities such as food and medicine delivered. Students are responsible for creating their own quarantine plan, which must be in place before arriving in Canada. They must provide details about the location of their 14-day quarantine period and how they plan to manage their basic needs during that time. Students without a quarantine plan may be sent back to their home country by immigration officials at the airport.

Since February 22, 2021, international students arriving in Canada by air have been required to take a COVID-19 test at the airport and then quarantine for three nights at a government-authorized hotel while awaiting their test results. The cost of the government-approved facility includes accommodation and food and is approximately $2000. Students can book individual accommodation at a hotel or live with a host, in which case they must self-isolate in a shared home, including using a separate bedroom and washroom.

Other Requirements

In addition to the quarantine requirements, international students must also have:

• Proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of starting their travels
• A valid student visa, known as a study permit, or a letter of introduction showing approval for a study permit
• Acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory
• Travel authorisation, which is separate from the study permit

Travel authorisation and study permits

International students can return to Canada, but they must follow the federal government's COVID-19 guidelines. These guidelines outline the roles of designated learning institutions (DLIs), provinces, and territories in supporting the return of international students, in line with health advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

To enter Canada, international students must have a study permit and travel authorisation. Even if you have a study permit, you will not be allowed to board a flight to Canada without travel authorisation. Travel authorisation is issued automatically and simultaneously with your study permit, and there is no need to apply separately or pay an additional fee.

To apply for a study permit, you must have an account to apply online. You will need to pay the fees at the end of your application. The guide on the website will explain how to complete each field on the form. Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions, which will be used to create a personalised document checklist for you.

To enter Canada, you must travel with the documents provided to you, including travel documents such as a visitor visa, study or work permits, or an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) linked to your passport. If you do not have these documents, you may not be allowed to board your flight to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will check your identity to ensure that you are the same person who was approved to travel to Canada. They may use your biometrics to do this. If they cannot verify your identity, you may be detained. The border services officer will also ensure that you meet the basic requirements to enter Canada.

Healthcare coverage

Canada is known for its publicly funded healthcare system. However, international students aren't automatically eligible for free universal healthcare in every province and territory. While universal healthcare is mandated at the federal level, each of the 13 provinces and territories operates its own healthcare program, so the exact details of coverage vary depending on where a person is living.

International students in Canada are required to obtain health insurance for the duration of their stay. Some provinces offer provincial health coverage to certain international students, either for free or for a premium. In these cases, international students are usually required to apply to the province. In provinces where international students are not covered under provincial healthcare plans, students must purchase private health insurance. This can often be done through their school in Canada.

If you are planning to study in British Columbia for at least six months, you are eligible for BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). You must apply for MSP as soon as you arrive in BC. However, it takes about 3 months for MSP to process applications, and students may only apply once they arrive in Canada. iMED provides basic health insurance during the three-month waiting period before you qualify for MSP. International students may purchase extended health coverage to supplement the basic coverage offered by MSP.

Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) only covers basic health expenses and does not cover dental care or prescription drugs. If an international student is ineligible to obtain coverage under AHCIP, they must purchase a private plan through an insurance company or agent.

International students in Nova Scotia must purchase health coverage since they are not eligible for the provincial healthcare program. Many of Nova Scotia's educational institutions offer healthcare plans, and some require that international students opt-in. After a year of living in the province, students may become eligible to apply for a Nova Scotia Health Card, which grants access to free basic health coverage through Medical Services Insurance (MSI). After obtaining a provincial health card, international students may be eligible to opt out of any healthcare packages offered by their educational institution.

The Northwest Territories Health Care (NWTHC) provides free basic health care for residents of the Northwest Territories. International students may apply for health insurance through NWTHC provided they are studying in the program for longer than 12 months. As this coverage is only basic, international students are encouraged to explore extended healthcare coverage through private providers.

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, including a brief visit to the United States, consider buying travel health insurance before you leave. While a valid health card will cover you for basic services in another province (such as a visit to the doctor), you will not be covered in the U.S.

International student enrolment statistics

International students who wish to study in Canada must obtain a study permit if their programme lasts longer than six months. Canada is the world's third-leading destination for international students seeking higher education degrees. The country's education system is known for its high quality, affordability, and popularity worldwide.

Canada has experienced significant growth in international student enrolment over the years. Here are some key statistics highlighting this trend:

• From 2000 to 2021, the number of study permit holders increased by more than 400%.
• Between 2005 and 2015, the number of study permit holders rose by 106%, from 170,440 to 352,330.
• In 2019, Canada issued 638,280 study permits to international students, the highest number in two decades.
• Between 2010/11 and 2019/20, the number of international students in Canada increased by 162.7%.
• From 2010/11 to 2015/16, international student enrolment grew by 61%, from 142,170 to 228,924.
• There was a 39.6% increase in international student enrolment between 2015/16 and 2018/19, reaching 341,964 students.
• In 2019/20, international student enrolment increased by 13.6% compared to the previous year.
• By 2022, there were 807,750 study permit holders across all education levels in Canada, including higher education.
• Between 2016 and 2022, the total number of international students in Canada increased by 61.2% at a growth rate of 8.3% per year.
• From 2008 to 2016, international student enrolment increased by 87%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.
• The increase in long-term students, those studying for more than six months, contributed significantly to the overall growth.
• In 2020/21, the majority of international students in Canada enrolled in universities, totalling 231,291, while 142,308 enrolled in colleges.
• International student enrolment in bachelor's degree programs was the highest, with 160,842 students, while master's degree programs had 45,438 students.
• International students contributed significantly to the Canadian economy, with their spending supporting 361,000 jobs in 2022 and generating a government tax revenue of $7.4 billion in the same year.

These statistics demonstrate the growing popularity of Canada as a destination for international students seeking quality education and the significant economic impact that these students have on the country.

Frequently asked questions