From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
As of October 20, 2020, international students may be authorized to travel to Canada if attending a designated learning institution (DLI) that
- has a COVID-19 readiness plan that has been approved by its province or territory
- is listed on the IRCC website
Note: DLIs are expected to provide information to the provinces and territories about the public health readiness of their institution before students arrive. Institutions have been asked to support students in meeting quarantine requirements, help them plan for their transportation to their place of quarantine after they arrive, and provide guidance or assistance in acquiring the necessities of life, including food and medication, during their quarantine.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act.
Travellers are prohibited from travelling to and entering Canada if they are symptomatic. Commercial airline restrictions may also prevent travellers from boarding if they are sick. However, Canadians, persons with status under the Indian Act and permanent residents who have COVID-19 symptoms are allowed to return to Canada.
Students are encouraged to travel via the most direct route possible and be aware of rules if they are transiting through airports. The International Air Transport Association’s website has a great tool to see what restrictions and measures are in place internationally.
In addition, all travellers are required to provide specific information upon entry into Canada. The ArriveCAN app enables travellers to submit their information up to 48 hours prior to arrival. It reduces physical contact for a safer, faster border process. The ArriveCAN app is available through the App Store or Google Play.
On this page
- International students travelling to Canada from outside the United States
- International students travelling to Canada from the United States
- Non-optional and non-discretionary purpose of travel
International students travelling to Canada from outside the United States
As of October 20, 2020, international students who hold a valid Canadian study permit or who received a letter of introduction from IRCC may be authorized to enter Canada from outside of the United States for non-discretionary reasons if they attend a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan that has been approved by their province or territory.
International students who had a study permit application approved have been sent a letter (push notification) advising the principal applicant or their authorized representative about
- public health measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Canada
- what to expect upon arrival, in particular the 14-day mandatory quarantine instructions
- the exemption from the travel restrictions should they be travelling for a non-discretionary purpose and destined to study at a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory
The letter also requests that they check with their DLI to make sure their course or study program is still operating. Like all travellers, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international students who enter Canada will undergo the necessary health checks and must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
Mandatory documents for students travelling to Canada from outside the United States
Border services officers will ask students to provide additional information to facilitate the immigration process, and students are required to have the following documents ready when arriving in Canada:
- a study permit [IMM 1442] or a copy of their port of entry letter of introduction
- a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI
- proof that the student has enough money to support themselves during their stay in Canada
Before considering travelling, all travellers arriving in Canada must plan for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period, which starts on the date they arrive. Government of Canada representatives will conduct health screenings at the time of entry to Canada and let people arriving know if they need to quarantine or isolate.
Students will also be asked if they have a suitable place to quarantine, where they will
- have access to basic necessities, including water, food, medication and heat during the winter months
- not have contact with people who
- are 65 years or older
- have underlying medical conditions
- have compromised immune systems
- not be in a group or community living arrangement
Students, like all travellers, are strongly encouraged to make housing arrangements for quarantine before arriving in Canada. Students will also be given instructions about the actions they must take under the emergency order and the penalties for non-compliance.
Border services officers will make a final determination on the foreign national’s eligibility to enter Canada at the port of entry.
International students travelling to Canada from the United States
As of October 20, 2020, international students who hold a valid Canadian study permit, who received a letter of introduction from IRCC or who are eligible to apply for a study permit at the port of entry may be authorized to enter Canada from the United States for non-discretionary reasons if they attend a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan that has been approved by their province and territory.
Foreign nationals who are eligible to apply for a study permit at the port of entry may be able to do so, provided
- they are asymptomatic
- the purpose of travel is not optional or discretionary
- they are destined to study at a DLI with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan
International students who had a study permit application approved have been sent a letter (push notification) advising them about
- public health measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Canada
- what to expect upon arrival, in particular the 14-day mandatory quarantine instructions
- the exemption from the travel restrictions should they be travelling for a non-discretionary purpose and destined to study at a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory
The letter also requests that they check with their DLI to make sure their course or study program is still operating. Like all travellers, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, international students who enter Canada will undergo the necessary health checks and must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.
Mandatory documents for students travelling to Canada from the United States
Border services officers will usually ask students to provide additional information to facilitate the immigration process, and students are required to have the following documents ready when arriving in Canada:
- a copy of a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan
- proof that the student has enough money to support themselves during their stay in Canada
Before considering travelling, all travellers arriving in Canada must plan for their mandatory 14-day quarantine period, which starts on the date they arrive. Government of Canada representatives will conduct health screenings at the time of entry to Canada and let people arriving know if they need to quarantine or isolate.
Students will also be asked if they have a suitable place to quarantine, where they will
- have access to basic necessities, including water, food, medication and heat during the winter months
- not have contact with people who
- are 65 years or older
- have underlying medical conditions
- have compromised immune systems
- not be in a group or community living arrangement
Students, like all travellers, are strongly encouraged to make housing arrangements for quarantine before arriving in Canada. Students will also be given instructions about the actions they must take under the emergency order and the penalties for non-compliance.
Border services officers will make a final determination on the foreign national’s eligibility to enter Canada at the port of entry.
Non-optional and non-discretionary purpose of travel
Note: The decision to allow entry into Canada will rest with border services officers at a Canadian port of entry.
Students who have been approved for or hold a valid study permit and who are destined to study at a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their provincial or territorial government may be able to enter Canada, if they travel for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose.
Travel will be deemed discretionary or non-discretionary depending on individual circumstances. Prior to boarding, air carriers are instructed to conduct an assessment of foreign nationals’ ability to travel to Canada based on the Canada Border Services Agency’s guidance for the travel restrictions.
Border services officers will assess the circumstances surrounding the student and their accompanying family members’ travel and may consider, for example, whether any of the following apply:
- they are destined to a DLI that
- has a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their provincial or territorial government
- is listed on the IRCC website
- they have a credible plan in place for quarantine in Canada upon arrival and expect to begin studying after completing their quarantine
- the semester has been cancelled or the person will begin studying later in the year
Note: Accompanying family members of international students who are exempt from travel restrictions must also be travelling for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose (that is, to establish themselves in Canada).
