On October 21, 2020, the Canadian government released several updates on travel exemptions that have major implications for international students seeking to enter Canada.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AUTHORIZED TO TRAVEL TO CANADA:
As of October 20, 2020, international students travelling for a non-discretionary purpose and that are “attending a designated learning institution that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan in place”, will be permitted entry into Canada.
International students who enter Canada will have to undergo the required health checks and must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
International students may be authorized to travel to Canada if attending a designated learning institution (DLI) that:
- has a Covid-19 readiness plan that has been approved by its province or territory;
- is listed on the IRCC website.
As of October 20, 2020, some designated learning institutions (DLIs) are now able to reopen to international students who aren’t currently in Canada and who:
- have, or have been approved for, a study permit;
- are travelling to Canada for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose.
To be able to enter Canada as a student, one must meet 2 requirements:
- Have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows the student is approved for a study permit;
- Must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory.
A student’s travel to Canada will be considered essential (non-discretionary) if they have all of the required documents and their DLI is on the approved list.
A student’s travel to Canada won’t be considered essential (non-discretionary) if:
- Their study program has been cancelled or suspended;
- They are entering Canada for any reason other than to study.
International students must ensure that their DLI is on the list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans before travelling to Canada. This applies to all international students, whether they are travelling from the United States or from any other country.
IRCC will continue to update the official list of DLIs as they are approved by their province or territory to reopen to international students who aren’t currently in Canada.
If you wish to discuss your options for navigating the current travel restrictions and the impact of these updates on your potential study plans in Canada, please contact our office.
