Covid-19 Guidelines in Canada for International Students

With the number of Covid-19 cases over 800,000 in Canada, the government there has been taking regular progressive steps to counter the outbreak and prevent its further spread. Provinces and territories are working together with the Public Health Agency of Canada to keep a closer look at the situation.

The mutation of Covid-19 will bring changes in the genes of the virus over time. The variations of the virus as found in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and South Africa have made the world quite cautious. Making the virus more deadly, these variations make the virus more infectious and affect the severity of the disease.

Even though more research needs to be done on these variations, the world is cautiously evaluating them. The Health Agency of Canada is making sure everyone is avoiding non-essential travel outside of Canada.

Travel guidelines 

Here are some guidelines that need to be followed to travel to Canada and within Canada:

1. All those who are 5 years of age or older need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 report. 
2. The Covid-19 test needs to be taken no more than 72 hours before the departure of the flight.
3. Those traveling to Canada from land borders also need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 report.
4. The ones traveling through air and land who previously tested Covid- 19 positive need to conduct a molecular test between 14 and 90 days prior to departure.
5. A mandatory 14-day quarantine needs to be followed for those receiving a negative test result and are authorized to travel to Canada.
6. Upon arrival in Canada, one has to get Covid-19 testing done and has to have a mandatory 3-night hotel stay at a hotel authorized by the government.

The ones entering Canada from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom will be subject to secondary screening along with a longer quarantine period. 

Travel restrictions and exemptions for International Students

To be able to enter Canada, the following requirements need to be met:

1. A letter of recommendation or a valid study permit
2. Need to be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a Covid-19 plan

The students whose study program has either been suspended or canceled will not be able to enter Canada. The ones who are trying to enter Canada for any other motive than to study are also not allowed to travel to Canada.

The ones with the authority to work will be allowed to work if a person has become a part-time student or has taken a break from studies, because of Covid-19. In such a case, the person must have the authority to work while getting an education in the first place.

The ones applying for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) must submit a letter of completion and/or the final transcript.

Things not to be missed 

Students wanting to study in Canada need to comply with the requirements given below to travel to Canada:

Before the Travel

The following checklist needs to be carefully looked at:

1. Restrictions specific to a province or a territory
2. Getting pre-entry covid-19 test done
3. Booking a 3-night hotel stay after landing in Canada
4. Quarantine plan before arrival
5. Submitting travel and quarantine plans at ArriveCAN

Taking the flight

• Pre-entry Covid- 19 test report along with ArriveCAN document

Arrival at Canada

1. Test results, ArriveCAN document along with the travel and quarantine plan.
2. Get a Covid-19 test done after arrival.
3. Staying at a pre-book government authorized hotel till the time results are received.

The growing uncertainty that surrounded everyone in the mid-2020 has slowly started dwindling. The future looks positive even though some restrictions remain. Slowly, everything is coming to normal, and soon, students will also start attending the sessions and classes directly on campuses. 

Everyone is hoping for it and so are we.

Still, have some doubts? Get in touch with Edmissions team at edmissions.com to get your queries resolved in no time. To know more you can reach us at [email protected]

For a quick overview related to study abroad, click here