As we edge close to being in this pandemic for a year now, the government of Canada has taken extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of international students are not affected by this global crisis, even when COVID 19 cases are still on the rise in Canada.
Can you travel to Canada to Study?
Assuming you are approved for a study permit, dependent on the school and program that you choose, your letter of acceptance will indicate whether or not your presence is mandatory for the program.
You will only be able to travel to Canada if your letter of acceptance indicates that your physical presence is mandatory.
Before you travel to Canada to begin your studies, check the IRCC website to make sure you are following the up to date COVID 19 procedures. At the time of writing, only 4 airports in Canada are accepting international travellers, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver with current travel requirements including:
- A negative COVID test conducted within 72 hours of your flight;
- Submit your travel dates and your 14-day quarantine plan via the ArriveCAN app;
- Mandatory COVID test upon your arrival into Canada.
In addition to this, as of the 14th February 2021, the federal government will require all international travellers to pay a fee of $2,000 to quarantine for up to three days/nights at an approved hotel, while they await the results of COVID-19 border test. It is not known how long this provision will be in place for.
As part of the COVID 19 travel restriction efforts and until further notice, any foreign national entering Canada to undertake a stort-term, Canadian study program must now present a valid study permit. Prior to this program update, foreign nationals entering Canada to undertake a study program less than 6 months in duration could do so on their visit visa,
Should you travel to Canada to Study?
Many Canadian Schools have had to quickly adapt to an online learning forum, with the majority of Canadian schools offering only remote classes until further notice. This, along with the extra protection offered by IRCC, allows international students, to start a Canadian program from their country of residence, without losing the ability to get a post graduate work permit upon completion of their Canadian course. To get a post-graduate work permit, students are required to be present in Canada for only 50% of the program.
With international students adding value to the economy and being a big part of Canada’s immigration quota for 2021, we encourage those who to want to earn an international accreditation and gain Canadian work experience to apply as soon as possible.
Both of the factors mentioned above, will help you earn points towards your immigration process in order to gain permanent residency thereafter.
Lauren Boorman
Nadia Bhuptani
