COVID-19: A Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad

On November 18th Canadian Immigration posted an important consolidated document to support International students arriving or returning to Canada and to highlight the responsibilities for Canadian DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions), Provinces, and Territories.  The document is aligned with publications from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Full Document is published here

Brief Summary:

1st section is an introduction, explanation of who should use the document and how it should be used

2nd section outlines definitions of what is Covid-19

3rd section provides guidelines for students on what they should be doing before leaving their country to come to Canada.  In short:

• students with associated symptoms shouldn’t board the flight to Canada
• currently, students pursuing primary, secondary, and post-secondary studies may enter Canada if their Canadian institutions which are confirmed  by their respective province or territory as ready to host international students
  • list of approved institutions is published here
• students must hold a study permit or study permit approval and demonstrate they are entering Canada for non-discretionary purposes and that they are studying at a listed DLI
• In accordance with the requirements set out in the Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act, all travellers entering Canada are required to undergo the necessary health checks, must wear a non-medical mask or face covering during travel, including to their place of quarantine, and they must quarantine (if asymptomatic) or isolate (if symptomatic) for 14 days upon arrival in Canada, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Emergency Order. Upon arrival, international students must be able to demonstrate that they have a plan in place to support their initial 14-day mandatory quarantine or isolation period in Canada as well as submit the required contact and address information.
• Appropriate arrangements must be in place during the quarantine, which includes:
  • ensuring they have individual accommodations, monitoring for symptoms,
  • avoiding public and shared spaces, arranging to have access to basic necessities (e.g., food and medicines),
  • physical distancing from others, and
  • avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk for severe illness (i.e., older adults, individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised).
• Minors are not exempt from mandatory quarantine requirements. The parents or guardians of a minor travelling alone to Canada must also ensure that the appropriate arrangements have been made before departing from their home country and that the minor will be able to care for and support themselves during the 14-day mandatory quarantine period while living with a homestay provider, custodian, host family, hotel or in other accommodations.Before arrival, the parent or guardian must understand Canada’s protocols to safely quarantine (self-isolate) or isolate for the required period. This means that their child must quarantine in a place that meets public health requirements, and that their child is well-equipped with the necessities (food, medication, medical access) to quarantine while in Canada in the care of a custodian and/or homestay provider, or another family member.
• Failure to comply with this Order is an offense under the Quarantine Act. Any international student and/or family member who are found to be in violation of the mandatory 14-day quarantine period may be penalized under Canadian law.

4th section outlines Roles and Responsibilities for DLIs, Provinces and Territories, and Government of Canada

5th section reinforces the fundamental values for race, cultural diversity and inclusion.