Coming to Canada:
Recently, the Canadian government announced that international students who held a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020 were allowed to enter the country.
Aside from the study permit, valid travel documents such as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) are still required in order to enter Canada.
Once you enter Canada, you must obey the quarantine order and isolate yourself for 14 days.
Travel Outside Canada:
The Canadian government has advised avoiding non-essential travel outside the country. For international students planning to return home, consider first if your home country will allow you to enter, and if you will be able to re-enter Canada. Consider if this may affect any plans to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
Housing:
Student residences across the country have closed down in an effort to protect the student population and flatten the curve. Some residences may make exceptions for international students, or help you to find other accommodations.
In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the student population and flatten the curve, student residences have closed down. Exceptions or other accommodations for international students might be provided.
For those needing to self-isolate, some hotels are offering reserved rooms for 14 days.
Provinces are ramping up regulations to prevent landlords from evicting tenants during this time.
Academics:
While schools remain closed, many institutions are planning to continue the semester through online courses. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device from which you can continue your studies.
Check with your specific institution for more details about how the crisis will affect your academic year. If possible, contact your university or college via the phone, email, or video conference call.
Post-Graduate Work Permits:
The IRCC has stated that students who are now forced to take all of their classes online will remain eligible to apply for a PGWP.
Extending Your Stay:
Due to extenuating circumstances, you may not be able to return to your home country at this time. If your status as a student has expired or is about to expire, you must apply to extend it.
