COVID-19 Update: International Students Can Enter Canada

COVID-19 Update: International Students Can Enter Canada

After weeks of discouraging news articles, we are happy to share some positive news for international students regarding their ability to travel to Canada amid COVID-19. Earlier today, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland clarified that valid work and student visas to come to Canada will be respected at the Canadian border, the Canada/US border, and at international borders.

The Government of Canada has announced that exemptions to the air travel restrictions will apply to foreign nationals who have already committed to working, studying, or making Canada home. Travel by these individuals will be considered essential travel and include:

• International students who held a valid study permit when travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020
• International students who had already been approved for a study permit when travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020
• Permanent resident applicants who had been approved for permanent residence before the travel restrictions were announced on March 16, 2020, but who had not yet travelled to Canada

It is advised that individuals who qualify for these exemptions do not travel immediately. Additional information regarding these exemptions will be made available early next week. 

We will be posting updates as soon as we have them so keep an eye on out blog.