Janice Lozano
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the ability of international students to enter Canada, with strict travel restrictions implemented by the Canadian government. While Canada began allowing international students with valid study permits to enter the country as early as October 2020, only those attending Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) with provincial or territorial government-approved COVID-19 readiness plans were eligible. These requirements, along with additional testing and quarantine measures, have been a source of concern for students and language programs, with some suggesting that full recovery of international student enrollment may not occur until 2023. However, Canada remains a top destination for international students, and efforts are being made to safely reopen the country to this important student population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reopening date | From October 20, 2020 |
| Requirements for international students | 1. A valid study permit or a letter of introduction |
| 2. Valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan | |
| 3. Proof of sufficient funds | |
| Quarantine period | 14-day quarantine upon arrival |
| COVID-19 testing | 3 tests: pre-departure, on arrival, and at the end of quarantine |
| Full recovery | Estimated by 2023 |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eagerness to enter Canada
International students have shown a keen interest in entering Canada, with 31% of agents in a Bonard survey picking Canada as the top option for students, compared to 20% for the UK and 14% for the US. However, the additional COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures implemented by the Canadian government have been a cause for concern for some students and stakeholders. They believe that these requirements may deter international students from choosing Canada as their study destination.
Despite the eagerness of international students to enter Canada, the full recovery of the international education sector may take a few years. This is evident from the survey results, which suggest that 2022 student enrolment numbers will only reach 55% of the peak in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the flow of international students into Canada, with strict travel restrictions and requirements in place.
To enter Canada as an international student, individuals must meet several requirements. They need a valid study permit or a letter of introduction, a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, and proof of sufficient funds. Additionally, students must undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival and may need to take multiple COVID-19 tests.
The list of approved DLIs is subject to change and is determined by the provincial or territorial health requirements. As of October 2020, all primary and secondary schools in Quebec, as well as in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, British Columbia, and New Brunswick, were approved to reopen to international students. However, other provinces, such as Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, had their primary and secondary schools closed to international students.
The ability to travel to Canada as an international student depends on the DLI's COVID-19 readiness plan and the student's compliance with the necessary documentation and quarantine requirements. The eagerness of international students to enter Canada is evident, but the recovery of the international education sector is a gradual process influenced by the pandemic's impact and the Canadian government's response.
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COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements
International students have been able to travel to Canada since 20 October 2020, provided they are attending a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. All primary and secondary-school DLIs in Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick are approved to reopen for international students.
International students travelling to Canada are required to undergo COVID-19 testing at three stages: pre-departure, on arrival, and at the end of quarantine. They must also complete a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival in Canada. The quarantine period can be completed either before physically attending classes or concurrently through online study.
The testing and quarantine requirements have been a source of concern for Languages Canada, which suggested that these measures could deter international students from choosing Canada as their study destination. However, the Canadian government has maintained these protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both domestic and international students during the pandemic.
It is important to note that the COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements may evolve as the pandemic situation changes. International students planning to travel to Canada should refer to the latest official guidelines provided by the Canadian government and their respective DLIs to ensure they meet the necessary health and safety standards.
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Travel restrictions and required documents
Canada has had some of the strictest COVID-19 travel and border restrictions in the world. While the country has been open to international students since October 2020, the cost of travel restrictions has been a significant concern for students, with some deferring their trip back to Canada until they are less costly.
Travel restrictions
As of October 20, 2020, international students can travel to Canada, provided they are attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. If a DLI is not on the approved list, students cannot travel to Canada for study. The list is subject to change and will be updated by the IRCC.
International students travelling to Canada must undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival and may be required to take up to three COVID-19 tests (pre-departure, on arrival, and at the end of quarantine).
Required documents
To enter Canada as an international student, you will need:
- A valid study permit or a letter of introduction from the visa office
- A valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan
- Proof of funds
- A valid electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid visitor visa (temporary resident visa), a valid green card, or another valid travel document
- Any other documents requested by the visa office, such as letters of reference
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The impact on Canadian language programmes
International students have been able to travel to Canada since October 20, 2020, provided their DLI ( Designated Learning Institution) is on the list of approved DLIs with a COVID-19 readiness plan. However, this condition has resulted in a decrease in international student enrolment in Canadian language programs.
A survey of Canadian language programs and overseas agents revealed that student enrolment numbers in 2022 would only reach 55% of the peak in 2019. This indicates a significant drop in participation in Canadian language programs. The additional COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures required by the Canadian government were cited as potential deterrents for international students. Languages Canada, an organization representing Canadian language education institutions, received numerous complaints and questions regarding these protocols, including the necessity of multiple COVID-19 tests.
The impact of reduced enrolment in Canadian language programs extends beyond the education sector. International students make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy through their expenditures on tuition, accommodation, and discretionary items. In 2022, international students in Canada spent an estimated $37.3 billion, which contributed to economic activities and supported 361,230 jobs in the country. This spending also generated $7.4 billion in tax revenue for the Canadian government. Therefore, the decrease in international student enrolment in Canadian language programs could have a ripple effect on various sectors of the economy, including employment and tax revenue streams.
Furthermore, the impact of reduced enrolment in Canadian language programs may also affect the long-term growth of the industry. International students who stay in Canada for more than six months have a substantial impact on the country's GDP and employment. In 2018, long-term international students contributed over $18.7 billion to Canada's GDP, and the education services supported 206,088 jobs. With a decrease in enrolment, the long-term growth and sustainability of Canadian language programs may be affected, potentially impacting the future availability and accessibility of these programs for international students.
While there is eagerness among international students and stakeholders to see Canada fully reopen, industry estimations suggest that a full recovery in international student enrolment may take a few years. This extended timeline could further impact the Canadian language programs' ability to recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.
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A full recovery timeline for international students
As of September 2021, Canada has reopened its borders to international students, provided they meet certain requirements. These include having a valid study permit or a letter of introduction, enrolling in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan, and undergoing a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Additionally, students must provide proof of sufficient funds, and immediate family members are allowed to accompany the student but cannot travel before them.
Despite the reopening, industry experts predict that a full recovery in the international education sector may take a few years. A survey of overseas agents and Canadian language programs indicated that student enrollment numbers in 2022 would only reach 55% of the peak in 2019, suggesting that a full recovery may not occur until 2023. This timeline is supported by the observation that additional COVID-19 testing and quarantine measures may deter international students from choosing Canada as their study destination.
The Canadian government has implemented specific procedures for international students to enter the country and attend educational institutions. Students must ensure they possess all the required documents and that their chosen DLI is on the approved list. The list of approved DLIs is subject to change and is updated by the IRCC. It is important to note that the student's travel to Canada will only be considered essential if their study program is active and they intend to enter the country solely for educational purposes.
Upon arrival in Canada, international students will be assessed to determine if they can complete their quarantine period before physically attending classes. Alternatively, they may need to study online during their quarantine. The quarantine requirements include three COVID-19 tests: pre-departure, on arrival, and at the end of the quarantine period. These measures aim to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of both students and the local community.
In summary, while Canada has reopened its borders to international students, the full recovery of the international education sector is expected to take a couple of years. The impact of the pandemic on student enrollment and the additional COVID-19 measures may contribute to a slower recovery. International students should stay updated with the latest requirements and procedures to ensure a smooth transition into their academic pursuits in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada reopened its borders for international students on October 20, 2020. However, only students with a valid study permit or letter of introduction are allowed to enter the country. Students must also be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.
International students must have either a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that proves they were approved for a study permit. They must also be enrolled in a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan and provide proof of sufficient funds. Additionally, students are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival and may need to present negative COVID-19 test results.
It is expected that Canada's international student enrolment will take a few years to recover fully. A survey predicted that enrolment numbers in 2022 would only reach 55% of the peak in 2019. However, Canada remains a top destination for international students, with 31% of agents in a survey picking it as the preferred choice.
