As announced earlier by the IRCC, DLIs with a COVID-19 readiness plan are allowed to reopen for international students. The approved list of DLIs is available on IRCC’s website.
If you plan to come to Canada, as an international student after October 20, 2020:
- Your institute must be on the list of the DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans before you travel to Canada;
- You must have a valid study permit, or a letter of introduction or have been approved for a study permit.
This applies to all international students, whether you’re travelling from the United States or from any other country. This change doesn’t affect study permit holders already in Canada. In case you’re already in Canada, you can continue studying in any DLI. But if you leave Canada, you may not be able to return, if your DLI doesn’t have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory in which you reside.
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 to travel 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;
- You must bring 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; and
- 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. If you travel to Canada when your DLI isn’t included, you may not be allowed to board your flight or you may be turned away at the Port of Entry. Also, family members who will be coming with you to Canada, can’t travel to Canada before you do.
A border services officer will make the final decision on whether you’re eligible to enter Canada when you arrive.
To know more about Canada study updates or to apply for a Canada Student Visa, give us a call at +91 96016 03687 (India); +1 647 495 8158 (Canada).