Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for international students due to which student enrollment has grown over time. In 2017, Canada reported a new record of international students residing in Canada at 495,525, according to Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC has also predicted that in the year 2022, Canada will host close to 450,000 international students.
It’s no secret that the Coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone globally. International students are a more silent group that has been tremendously affected. Although international students have several options to obtain permanent residency, you also need to be realistic in today’s economy. The pandemic has made it impossible for international students to meet the requirements of becoming a permanent resident of Canada after studying in Canada
How has Canada Student Visa news on COVID-19 affected international students?
Latest Canada student visa news as of 7 January 2021, passengers travelling by air will submit a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding your flight. Travel restrictions can change with little warning as the situation is closely monitored.
The Government of Canada declared further limitations on international travel on 29 January.
Travellers will soon be needed to:
- Take the COVID-19 molecular test at their own expense upon arrival;
- Book a room at a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own expense, while awaiting the test results.
Overseas students would be considered to be entering Canada for mandatory and non-optional purposes if:
The study permit has been accepted (regardless of the date of your letter of introduction), holds a valid study permit or is permitted to apply for a study permit upon entry to Canada (US citizens and US permanent residents only);
- The educational institution attended is that is on the list of institutions with an approved COVID-19 training plan in place;
- There are no signs or symptoms of COVID-19;
- A quarantine schedule for 14 days is mandatory
The modified travel restrictions shall extend to all international students, irrespective of your travel origin or the date the study permit has been approved.
More on Canada student visa news, International students are advised not to start travel arrangements before all conditions have been met and have received all the required authorisations.
All Canadian learning institutions whose COVID-19 readiness plans have been approved by their provincial or territorial governments will soon be able to welcome their international students back to classes. Amended travel restrictions will be enforced to allow international students to enter Canada if your designated learning institution (DLI) has an approved COVID-19 preparedness plan in place approved by their provincial or territorial government.
As part of the planning plans, DLIs are required to provide precise details to their local or territorial government on the measures that will be taken to provide important information to international students on health and travel conditions before you arrive in Canada.
The plan should also cover assistance to be extended to students concerning their quarantine plans and guide/assist them in acquiring necessities, such as food and medicine, during the quarantine time. Besides, readiness plans must develop procedures to safeguard the students’ health in the event of reported or verified cases of COVID-19 at school.