Covid-19 border reopening for international students

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):Designated learning institutions reopening to international students in Canada.

As of October 20, 2020, some designated learning institutions (DLIs) are now ready to reopen to international students who aren’t currently in Canada and who 

• have, or are approved for, a study permit 
• are travelling to Canada for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose COVID-19 readiness plan for DLIs

Canadian schools with coronavirus readiness plans can start accepting new study permit holders, as of October 20. 

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now ready to accept international students regardless of the date the study permit was obtained. DLIs are colleges, universities, and other educational institutions approved by the government to welcome international students. Before, the sole international students that would visit Canada were those that held a legitimate study permit as of March 18, 2020, the date that Canada’s coronavirus travel restrictions took effect.

To be ready to enter Canada as a student, you want to meet these two requirements: you want to have a legitimate study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit. you want to be attending a delegated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory. Your visit to Canada is going to be considered essential if you’ve got all of the specified documents and your DLI is on the approved list.

Travel exemptions and restrictions for international students:

• To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must meet 2 requirements:
  • You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit.
  • 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 will be considered essential (non-discretionary) if you have all of the required documents and your DLI is on the approved list.

As a student, your travel to Canada won’t be considered essential (non-discretionary) if

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

When you travel to Canada

Make sure your school is on the list of DLIs with COVID-19 readiness plans approved by their province or territory.

When the border services officer greets you, they look at several factors, including

• • your reason for travelling to Canada
  • your ability to complete a 14-day quarantine period as soon as you arrive at your final destination
  • if you either
  • have time to complete your quarantine before you physically attend classes, or
  • can study online during your quarantine

Documents You Need to Bring For Immigration:

• • a valid study permit or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit
  • a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory
  • proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information Service for more information.

A border services officer will make the final decision on whether you’re eligible to enter Canada when you arrive.