International students going to certain institutions with COVID-19 readiness plans may be able to come to Canada.
International students will be allowed to travel to Canada starting October 20, if their study institution has a coronavirus-readiness plan that has been approved by its provincial or territorial health authority.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are expected to send the specifics of their readiness plan to the provincial or territorial government, since this is the level of government that handles education in Canada. Plans should include details on how the institutions will inform international students on health and travel requirements before arrival, help with quarantine plans, and provide guidance or assistance in acquiring necessities like groceries and medicine during quarantine. The plans also must establish health and safety protocols in case students do come down with coronavirus.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will release the list of approved DLIs as they come available on their webpage.
The new measure applies to all international students regardless of when their study permit was approved, or where they are from, IRCC says. However, the immigration department also advises travellers to not make any travel plans until they have met all the requirements and all necessary authorizations.
The immediate family members of students my also be able to come with them to Canada, as long as their reason for travel is essential, such as getting established in Canada to support the student’s study program. In this case, immediate family includes spouses and common-law partners, dependents, or if the student is under the age 18, a parent or legal guardian.
International students have been calling on the federal government to allow exemptions for students. Many of whom live in countries with limited access to internet, and time differences make for impractical class times.
