All international students with a valid visa may enter Canada if they have submitted their complete study permit application by May 15, 2021, despite the extension of the border closure until July 21, 2021. Students should already get a decision by August 6, 2021, just in time to attend their academic programs in the Fall 2021 semester. After receiving a decision, that is the time when flight arrangements should be made.
“Our number one priority as we fight #COVID19 is keeping Canadians safe. In coordination with the US, we are extending restrictions on non-essential international travel and with the United States until July 21st, 2021,” said Public Safety Minister Bill Blair.
International students studying in Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan have been welcomed into Canada since Fall term 2020. As part of the protocol, students undergo testing upon arrival and wait for their COVID-19 test results during their quarantine period.
Vaccination still plays a major role in accepting international students back into the country. There is still no existing mandate on vaccines for international students entering Canada. However, more designated learning institutions (DLI) will require at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to attend in-person learning. Western University, Trent University, and Fanshawe College have already required the vaccine to access campus privileges. The University of Toronto also has the same health protocol. However, students can only get their first shot after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
At present, Canada recognizes Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson as valid COVID-19 vaccination for all entrants in the country. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that there are two phases in proving COVID-19 vaccination status in the country. The first phase is for travellers to upload vaccination documents on the app, ArriveCAN. The second is in the form of national certification status. There will be more updates soon and international students must stay tuned and coordinate with their chosen DLIs.
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