Savanna Hoffman
As of 20 October 2020, Canada's borders have been reopened to international students. However, international students must meet several requirements before being allowed entry into the country. These include having a valid study permit, attending a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan, and undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. The decision to reopen borders to international students was made after weeks of lobbying, planning, and preparation by Canada's international educators, who faced potential closure due to their inability to welcome students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 20 October 2020 |
| Target group | International students |
| Conditions | Enrolled in a Coronavirus-ready school, college, institution or university with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place |
| Requirements | Valid study permit, essential purpose of travel, quarantine upon arrival, health check at the port of entry |
| Exemptions | US citizens, residents of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must have a valid study permit or be enrolled at a Coronavirus-ready school
- All travellers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada
- US citizens must prove that their physical presence in Canada is essential
- Students must provide a letter of introduction at the port of entry
- Canada's public health staffing at borders will be strengthened
International students must have a valid study permit or be enrolled at a Coronavirus-ready school
As of October 20, 2020, international students travelling to Canada must meet two requirements to enter the country. Firstly, they must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction showing approval for a study permit. Secondly, they must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory. This plan must be approved by the respective provincial or territorial health authority. Students can find a list of approved DLIs on the IRCC website.
International students from the US risk being turned away if their physical presence in Canada is not deemed essential. Students taking fully online courses may not be granted student visas. Students must also be aware that visa processing is taking longer than usual due to pandemic-related restrictions.
International students are asked to supply as many documents as possible, along with a letter of explanation for any missing documents. Complete applications will be processed first. Students must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada, although there are some exemptions for US citizens and residents of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
International students travelling to Canada for short-term study (6 months or less) generally do not require a study permit. However, they can apply for one to access travel restriction exemptions. They will be allowed entry with a study permit as long as they are attending an institution that has been determined by the province or territory as ready to accept international students from a public health perspective and they meet all other entry requirements.
Once in-person studies resume, a valid study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) will be necessary to enter Canada and continue studies. Submitting a study permit application before beginning studies is important if students want to count their time spent studying towards their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility.
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All travellers must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada
As of 20 October 2020, Canada's borders have been open to international students enrolled at coronavirus-ready schools. However, all travellers, including international students, must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. This mandatory quarantine period is in place to prevent future clusters of infections from imported cases.
All travellers must provide additional arrival details, including contact information and self-assessments during the quarantine period. It is recommended that travellers provide these updates via the ArriveCan app. Those arriving by air must also pass a pre-boarding health check conducted by their airline. Upon arrival, a traveller's health and ability to quarantine will be assessed before they leave the port of entry. Any traveller showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter Canada.
International students must meet several requirements to enter Canada. Firstly, they must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose. Secondly, they must have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit on or before 18 March 2020. Obtaining a study permit can be a complex process, and it is recommended that students seek guidance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to optimise their chances of success.
In addition to the above, international students must be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the provincial or territorial government. This plan includes health and safety protocols that have been approved by the respective provincial or territorial health authority. Students should carefully consider their travel plans and ensure they meet all necessary requirements before making any arrangements to travel to Canada.
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US citizens must prove that their physical presence in Canada is essential
The Canadian border is not fully open for international students, including US citizens. US citizens must prove that their physical presence in Canada is essential and non-discretionary. This means that they must demonstrate that their reason for travelling to Canada is important and necessary.
In the past, US citizens could apply for Canadian student permits online or in person at the Canadian border. Now, due to the pandemic, restrictions have been put in place to prevent clusters of infections from imported cases. US citizens must provide documentation and a letter of explanation for missing documents when applying for a student permit. They may also be required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering Canada.
To prove that their physical presence in Canada is essential, US citizens must show that they are travelling for a non-discretionary reason. This could include having a valid study permit or being unable to study online from their home country due to internet restrictions. US citizens may also need to demonstrate that they are enrolled in a Coronavirus-ready Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with approved health and safety protocols.
It is important to note that US citizens risk being turned away at the Canadian border if their physical presence is not deemed essential. The decision to permit entry ultimately lies with the border services officer and the current pandemic situation. Therefore, US citizens are advised to ensure they meet all necessary requirements before planning to travel to Canada.
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Students must provide a letter of introduction at the port of entry
As of August 2020, the Canadian border is not fully open for international students. Students must meet several requirements to enter Canada, including having a valid study permit or having been approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020.
One of the key requirements for international students entering Canada is to provide a letter of introduction at the port of entry. This letter, also known as a port of entry letter, is issued by the visa office when they approve your study permit. It contains your permit reference number, which is essential for receiving your study permit from the CBSA officer at the border. It is important to note that the port of entry letter is only valid until its expiry date, so students must ensure they travel to Canada before this date.
To obtain a study permit, students must present the port of entry letter to the CBSA officer at the border. This letter serves as confirmation that the student has been approved for a study permit and allows them to receive their physical permit upon entry into Canada. It is crucial to have this letter to initiate your studies in Canada.
In addition to the letter of introduction, students are required to provide other documents at the port of entry. These include a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from their school, letters of reference, and any other documents requested by the visa office. Students may also be asked to demonstrate proof of financial resources to support their stay in Canada.
It is recommended that international students consult official government sources or seek guidance from regulated Canadian immigration consultants to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the requirements for entering Canada as a student.
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Canada's public health staffing at borders will be strengthened
As of August 2020, Canada's borders were not fully open for international students. Students from the US risked being turned away if their physical presence in Canada was not deemed essential. Additionally, international students may not be granted student visas if they are enrolled in a fully online course. All visitors and returning Canadians, including international students, were required to quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country.
To enter Canada, international students needed to meet several requirements. They must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose and have a valid study permit or approval for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020. They must also demonstrate that they cannot study online from their home country due to internet restrictions or bandwidth limitations.
The process of obtaining a study permit or visa can be complex and time-consuming, with strict deadlines, procedures, and requirements. Students are advised to provide as many documents as possible and explain any missing documents. The guidance and assistance of knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) can help navigate the process more smoothly.
Canada has implemented health and safety protocols approved by provincial or territorial health authorities, showcasing its effective management of the pandemic. The IRCC advises international students to ensure they meet all necessary requirements before making travel plans.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of 20 October 2020, international students are allowed to enter Canada.
International students must be enrolled at a coronavirus-ready school with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan. They must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and provide additional arrival details, including contact information and self-assessments during quarantine.
International students need a valid study permit or proof of approval for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020. They may also be asked to supply other necessary documents and a letter of explanation for any missing documents.
