Savanna Hoffman
As of October 2020, Canada has opened its borders to international students, allowing them to enter the country if they attend a Coronavirus-ready Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan. International students are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and must meet specific requirements, including possessing a valid study permit and providing proof of non-discretionary travel. The Canadian government has demonstrated flexibility regarding student permits and work authorizations, and this decision to reopen borders is expected to benefit both international and Canadian students through cultural exchange and enrichment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of opening borders | 20 October 2020 |
| Who can enter? | International students with study permits |
| Who can enter? | Temporary foreign workers |
| Who can enter? | Immediate family members of students |
| Institutions | Universities, colleges, schools |
| Institution requirements | Coronavirus-ready |
| Institution requirements | Government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan |
| Quarantine period | 14 days |
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What You'll Learn
International students need a valid study permit
International students intending to study in Canada are required to have a valid study permit. This document allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. Most foreign nationals need a study permit to study in Canada. International students must apply for a study permit before travelling to Canada, and there are certain exemptions for US citizens and residents of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. However, it is at the discretion of the border services officer.
The process of applying for a study permit can be time-consuming and challenging due to strict deadlines, procedures, and requirements. It is recommended to seek guidance from a knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ensure a stress-free experience. These consultants are accredited by the ICCRC and can provide valuable assistance throughout the application process.
To apply for a study permit, students must include various documents, such as a PAL/TAL from the province or territory where they plan to study. In most cases, applications without a PAL/TAL will be returned. Additionally, students should ensure they have all the necessary documents before submitting their application. It is important to note that providing a complete application is crucial, as incomplete applications may be processed more slowly.
International students should also be aware of the possibility of inadmissibility to Canada. There are several reasons why an individual may be deemed inadmissible, including security, health, or financial concerns. It is essential to understand these requirements before submitting a study permit application. Moreover, students should be prepared to present their travel documents, such as a visitor visa, study or work permits, or an eTA linked to their passport, to airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry.
In the context of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian Federal Government has allowed international students to enter the country, provided they observe a 14-day self-isolation period. This announcement was made by Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, who stated that international students and temporary foreign workers would be permitted entry despite new border restrictions. However, specific details regarding this announcement are yet to be provided.
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Students must quarantine for 14 days
As of February 28, 2022, international students entering Canada are not required to quarantine upon arrival unless they test positive for COVID-19 on their random on-arrival COVID-19 test. However, prior to this update, international students were required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
International students must have a quarantine plan to ensure a smooth travel experience, even if they are not required to quarantine. Students should contact their school for assistance in developing a quarantine plan before departing for Canada, and they must submit this plan to immigration officers using the ArriveCAN app. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ArriveCAN app was used to connect officers with travellers and for students to submit all necessary documentation for their trip.
Students who were required to quarantine had to reside in a private room and submit daily health reports via ArriveCAN. They were prohibited from leaving their place of quarantine unless it was to seek time-sensitive medical services. Having guests over, even outdoors while maintaining a two-metre distance, was also prohibited. Students were also not allowed to use shared spaces such as lobbies, courtyards, restaurants, gyms, or pools. If students needed medical advice during their quarantine, they could call Telehealth Ontario at +1 866-797-0000 or use the mobileDOCTOR app, although a valid guard.me policy number was needed to access this service.
Since August 9, 2021, students entering Canada who have received two doses of vaccines approved by the government, including AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna, have been exempt from the 14-day quarantine and day-8 testing requirements. However, students must still comply with all mandatory requirements under Canadian immigration law, such as being eligible to enter Canada on the specific date of their entry.
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The application process can be complex
The application process for international students to enter Canada can be complex. There are several requirements and procedures that must be followed, and it is important to ensure that all necessary documents are in order before travelling.
Firstly, international students must apply for a study permit before arriving in Canada. This application must be submitted online and may require the submission of biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo. The application process can be time-consuming and challenging to navigate, with strict deadlines and requirements. It is important to ensure that the application is complete and accurate to avoid processing delays or rejection.
In addition to the study permit, international students may need additional documents such as a visa, work permit, or electronically linked travel authorization (eTA). It is recommended to review all documentation and ensure its correctness before travelling. Students should also be prepared for potential delays at the border, as additional paperwork may be required upon arrival.
Once the study permit is approved, international students can travel to Canada. However, it is recommended to avoid the busy travel periods, typically in late August, early September, and early January. Additionally, international students are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and must provide proof of this at the border.
To work in Canada or access government programs and benefits, international students will need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This can be applied for online or through a SIN clinic at educational institutions or community organizations. Obtaining a SIN is a confidential process, and individuals are encouraged to protect their number once obtained.
It is worth noting that there may be additional requirements or exemptions for specific nationalities, such as U.S. citizens or residents of certain territories. Seeking guidance from knowledgeable sources or regulated Canadian immigration consultants (RCICs) can help ensure a smooth and stress-free application process.
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Universities must have COVID-19 plans
As of October 20, 2020, Canada opened its borders to international students with study permits enrolled at Coronavirus-ready Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). International students were required to self-quarantine for 14 days before resuming classes on campus. However, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education for a generation of college and university students, and universities must play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their students, staff, and faculty.
Universities must have comprehensive COVID-19 plans in place to address the challenges posed by the pandemic and protect their campus communities. Firstly, universities should establish clear vaccination policies, including requirements for COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses for students and staff. Adelphi University, for example, mandates COVID-19 vaccination and boosters for new students, with an option for weekly testing for unvaccinated employees. Universities should also actively promote vaccination and provide easy access to vaccines and boosters for their campus communities.
Secondly, universities should implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission on campus. This includes following Department of Health protocols for disinfection and cleaning procedures, particularly in shared spaces and locations impacted by positive COVID-19 cases. Additionally, universities should encourage good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and providing hand sanitizing stations across campus. Universities can also make masks mandatory or strongly recommended, especially in indoor and crowded settings, to reduce the spread of the virus.
Furthermore, universities should develop flexible academic policies to accommodate students and staff who may be affected by COVID-19. This includes providing online learning options for students who are unable to attend in-person classes due to illness or isolation. Universities should also be prepared to adjust their teaching methods and assessment strategies as needed to ensure the continuity of education. Additionally, universities should have robust testing and contact tracing protocols in place to identify and isolate positive cases promptly.
Lastly, universities should prioritize the mental health and well-being of their campus communities. The pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of students and staff, and universities should offer support services, such as counselling and mental health resources, to help individuals cope with the challenges and uncertainties of the pandemic. Additionally, universities can organize awareness campaigns and provide information on self-care practices to promote mental well-being. By implementing these measures, universities can create a safer and more supportive environment for their students, staff, and faculty during the pandemic.
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Border entry from October 20, 2020
On October 20, 2020, Canada reopened its borders to international students on a study permit. However, this was only applicable if their learning institution was included on a list of institutions with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the Canadian government. This plan included how the institutions would inform international students on health and travel requirements before arrival, help with quarantine plans, and provide guidance or assistance in acquiring necessities during quarantine. Students were also required to comply with all public health measures, including the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, and had to be asymptomatic with the appropriate documents to enter Canada.
This change applied to all international students, regardless of their country of origin or when their study permit was approved. However, it did not mean that all international students could return to Canada, as some countries, like India, faced closed visa centres.
The IRCC released the list of approved DLIs on their webpage, and institutions with over 50% of programs delivered online were not included. The University of Toronto, York University, and the University of British Columbia were among the institutions welcoming the return of international students.
The Canadian government's decision to reopen borders was a testament to the importance of international students to Canadian communities and the comprehensive plans universities implemented. Strict penalties were also put in place for those who broke the rules, with fines of up to CAD$1 million and three years in prison for violating the Quarantine Act.
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Frequently asked questions
Canada opened its borders to international students on 20 October 2020.
International students must meet the following requirements:
- They must have a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit on or before a specified date.
- They must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose.
- They must be enrolled at a Coronavirus-ready Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
- They must quarantine for 14 days upon entering the country.
International students should supply as many of the required documents as possible, along with a letter of explanation for any missing documents. It is important to note that complete applications will be processed first.
Yes, immediate family members of international students may be able to accompany them to Canada as long as their purpose for travel is essential, such as supporting the student's study program.
