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A Guide for Canadian International Students during COVID-19

 

During these difficult times, being an international Student is more challenging than ever. We have created this guide to help international students wanting to go to Canada navigate all the available resources. 

 

Coming to Canada as an International Student

In spite of the threat of COVID-19, the Government of Canada announced that its borders would remain open for International Students who held a valid study permit or an approved study permit when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020. Additionally, International Students will still need to secure valid travel documents such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Canada. 

 

Travel Exemptions and Restrictions for International Students

To be able to enter Canada as an international student, you must meet both of the following requirements:

  1. You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit
  2. You must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory

Your travel to Canada must be deemed essential (non-discretionary) for you to enter Canada. As an international student, your travel to Canada will be considered essential if you have all of the required documents and your DLI is on the approved list. Your travel to Canada won’t be regarded as essential (non-discretionary) if:

  • Your study program has been cancelled or suspended
  • You’re entering Canada for any reason other than to study

 

Important Note: All international passenger flights into Canada must arrive at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, or Vancouver International Airport. 

 

COVID-19 Testing Requirements

Before Travelling

All air passengers over the age of five will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling from another country to Canada. All arrangements and costs associated with testing are the responsibility of the traveller. 

  • The test must be performed using a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or a Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test
  • The test must be taken within 72 hours prior to departure to Canada
  • Documentation of the negative laboratory result must be presented to the airline before boarding your flight
  • Anyone who receives a negative test result and is authorized to enter Canada must still complete the full, mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival in Canada

Important Note: The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page contains testing facilities information for some countries. You are also advised to contact your local health authority to determine where you can get a test. 

Upon Arrival

Unless exempt, travellers are obligated to:

  • Before departure to Canada, make a 3-night reservation in a government-authorized accommodation in Canada.
  • Not every room in the hotel is a government-authorized accommodation (GAA). Please ensure that your booking confirmation indicates that your room is GAA.
  • Travellers must present proof of having reserved and pre-paid for their accommodation through ArriveCAN.
  • Take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival in Canada.
  • Stay in the government-authorized accommodation while awaiting the results of the COVID-19 molecular test taken on arrival.
  • Pay for the cost of the stay, as well as all associated costs for:
  • Food
  • Security
  • Transportation
  • Infection prevention and control measures
  • Take another COVID-19 test toward the end of your 14-day quarantine.
  • You will be provided with an at-home COVID-19 test kit and instructions before leaving the airport.

Travellers will still be required to complete the remainder of the mandatory 14-day quarantine after their mandatory hotel stopover. 

 

Exemptions 

Exemptions from the hotel stopover are listed on the Government of Canada website. Travellers are exempt from the 3-night hotel stay if they meet any of the linked web pages’ criteria. 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about studying in Canada or any other Canadian immigration programs, Mahil Immigration can help. 

 

Working with a qualified immigration consultant can save you time and money throughout your immigration process.  Get started today by completing our free online assessment, and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your options!

 

Important Resources

Flying to and within Canada

Entering Canada by AIR during COVID-19

Government of Canada expands restrictions to international travel by land and air

Testing for travellers coming to Canada

Mandatory hotel stay for all air travellers