Travel to Canada as an International Student During the COVID-19 pandemic

Since Canada resumes in-person classes in the fall, many international students choose to travel to Canada. International students, as well as their family members, are exempted from travel restrictions.

Starting August 9, travelers are no longer required to book a 3-night stay in a government-designated hotel if they are fully vaccinated. However, they must pay more attention to their vaccination status, as Canada does not accept all vaccines. Currently, Health Canada accepts only Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. In order to be considered fully vaccinated, travelers must receive one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or two doses of other vaccines, have no signs of COVID-19 as well as have received their last dose of vaccine at least 14 days prior to the day they enter Canada.

COVID Regulations for International Students
All international students and their accompanying family members 5 years of age or older, regardless of citizenship, including those who are fully vaccinated must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result. Foreign students also must have a quarantine plan for 14 days, in case they have COVID-19 symptoms or do not qualify for the exemption. Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 before will have to provide a positive COVID-19 molecular test result conducted between 14 and 90 days of their departure to Canada. Travelers who have a connecting flight, have to pay attention to provide a test conducted within 72 hours of the last direct flight to Canada. Otherwise, they may need to schedule a new test in the transit country.
Proof of vaccination and suitable quarantine plan must be entered into ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before entering Canada, since travelers who have not provided the requirements in ArriveCAN before arriving at the border, will not be considered for the exemption, even if they meet all the other requirements.

Rules for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated students
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers or those who haven’t received the full series of a vaccine or a combination of vaccines accepted by the Government of Canada are not exempted from testing or quarantine requirements. These travelers must book a suitable place and quarantine for at least 14 days. At the end of the 14th day, if they do not have symptoms and a positive test result from required tests, the quarantine will end. If one receives a positive test result, he or she will have to isolate for an additional 10 days.

Can all foreign students enter Canada?
To be able to enter Canada as a student, international students must meet certain requirements. First, they must have a valid study permit, and second, their university must be a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory. Students whose study program has been canceled or suspended, or those entering Canada for any reason other than to study will not be allowed to enter Canada.

What documents should international students prepare before traveling?
Both new and returning students need to prepare the following documents: their valid study and work permits; a nucleic acid/PCR test taken within 72 hours; the admission letter; the class schedule or proof of enrolment; a quarantine plan; a quarantine hotel booking; and the ArriveCAN number.
Do you have more questions about study in Canada amidst COVID-19? Contact us today to get the most recent information!