Covid-19 Info for International Students Travelling to Canada this Fall
If you are thinking of starting school in Canada this fall, here are some key questions you should find answers to. We provide some information to help you.
Are universities and colleges open?
Twenty-five Canadian higher learning institutions have announced plans to transition to primarily in-person learning. The number is growing. If you are registered with a university, reach out to the international office to check-in and get up-to-date information relevant to the region.
When should I prepare to fly?
If your institution has announced in-person learning plans in Fall 2021, you should make plans to travel to Canada as soon as possible to avoid delays in their education.
How is Canada doing with the pandemic?
Here is a timeline of the Covid-19 pandemic in Canada, and the policies relevant for international students
How long does it take to get the basic travel documents to Canada?
Here are some processing times indicated by IRCC. The processing times are updated regularly on IRCC website. The estimated time is not too indicative because they are prioritizing those who qualify to travel, in general, it could take 3–6 months to get your application finalized.
What are the current travel and quarantine requirements?
Current Covid-19 related requirements to enter Canada:
- Legal travel documents (visitor visa, etc.)
- Registering with your school and receive a confirmation letter for travel
- Pre-arrival COVID-19 test (up to 72 hours before last direct flight to Canada)
- On-arrival Covid-19 test
- Quarantine Plan of 14 days (up to 3 days in a designated hotel waiting for a test)
- Covid-19 test on Day 10 of quarantine
You are required to quarantine regardless of the result of your test. You should have a proper quarantine plan and follow it. Currently, it is mandatory that you stay at a vetted hotel at your own expense while waiting for the result of the on-arrival Covid-19 tests. These 3-day plans cost somewhere around $600-$1600 and cover transportation, your stay and catering for the 3 days. Some universities such as York University, University of Waterloo, the University of Guelph in Ontario cover the initial 3-day or the full 14-day quarantine cost for their travelling students.
The most up-to-date information for study permit and travel is available on the IRCC website for international students.
Do I need a vaccine to board the flight/clear border?
At this time, vaccinations and immunization records are not required for entry nor accepted to be exempt from quarantine or testing requirements, or travel restrictions.
The most up-to-date information for study permit and travel is available on the IRCC website for international students.
Can I travel if I test positive?
Do not travel if you test positive.
Someone coughed in my flight cabin. How do I know if I have been exposed to Covid-19 in my travels?
The Canadian government website maintains a public repository of potential exposure to Covid19 that are mostly train/flight/cruise related. Here is the link to the database.
Do I know if my school is / will be open for in-person classes?
Institutions should make their Fall 2021 plan announcements well in advance. Many Canadian universities have announced a transition to primarily in-person classes. That would mean no remote learning option readily available! Check your school’s website or Covid-communication emails for more.
What are my options if I cannot travel in time?
Look out for options such as flexible start dates, distance learning options and deferrals. Even when many tutorials are in-person, you can opt to take only large lecture classes that will offer lectures online, and complete other credits in other semesters. Make sure to check that you can write your exams online or you will arrive on campus before midterms/finals.
What are my options if I want to defer my studies?
You should get in touch with the international office to get advice around deferring a semester. Sometimes, this will require filling out forms and getting permission. There are often requirements with your programs, departments or faculty on the maximum time to completion or maximum cumulative deferrals you can make.
If I wait to apply / enroll / travel, will things get better?
There is no guarantee that things will head in any direction. The Government of Canada has committed to full population vaccination by late September 2021, however, it is not clear how international travel and enrollment limits will be by the end of this year.
The most up-to-date information for study permits and travel is available on the IRCC website for international students.
Are my peers travelling to Canada?
There are good indications that many travels are underway and following public health measures. For example, the University of Guelph mandatory quarantine programs was fully booked in December last year as students arrived. You may need to book ahead for Covid-19 tests, accommodations, and any quarantine programs.
How do I get a place to stay beyond my 14-days quarantine?
You are advised to reach out to your international office to know your options for a safe rent-seeking experience. Often, the office will arrange for university residence or vetted student accommodation providers that are public health code-compliant. You will not need to risk being exposed to view rooms. You need to have arranged this and have the address ready by the time you board the flight.
I am travelling from India / Brazil / Vietnam, what should I know?
Most of the Canadian travel, testing and quarantine requirements are regardless of citizenship and where you travel from. The only country-specific restriction now is the suspension of all outbound flights from Canada to Mexico/Caribbean countries, which will be in force until April 30, 2021. You could take immunization if it becomes available in your country, but it is not currently considered as a waiver for any restrictions or quarantine/testing requirements.
