COVID-19 guide for international students

COVID-19 guide for international students

We all know that time is quite hard to become an international student in Canada. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is an equally difficult time for international students as anyone else. However, to keep you up to date and informed, the following article will be your guide to navigate the support systems available for the international students.

Studying in Canada as an international student

With the first signs of coronavirus pandemic, the Government of Canada decided to close all its borders to all non-essential travel.

However, Canada later announced that international students with a valid study permit and as well as those who already have their study permit applications approved are not subjected to the restrictions.

Furthermore, if you are an international student coming to Canada you still need to have a valid travel document, such as Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country.

Those who have correct documents can currently come to Canada. Please note that if you arrive in Canada by plane, you will be checked for any symptoms of COVID-19 at the airport.

Besides, after entering Canada all students must follow the quarantine guidelines and isolate themselves for fourteen days.

Can you travel outside of Canada?

In general, Canada suggested all people to not travel outside the country unless it is important. International students still can return home if they like. However, they should also consider if their home country allows people to come from abroad and also whether doing so will not cause any difficulties for them when they re-enter Canada.

In order to protect students, all residence across Canada is currently closed. However, there can be some exceptions to international students.

Those, who want to isolate themselves, can use certain hotels which allow their guests to stay inside the room for 14 days. Note that, you must not leave the hotel room these days. All food and fresh linens will be delivered by the service.

Although many schools have closed down until the next announcement by the government, some colleges and universities want to finalize the winter semester by delivering courses online.

In addition, since many institutions have canceled final exams, you need to contact your specific institution in order to get more information on your case.

Universities and colleges across Canada have shut down international centers, however, many schools are informing international students to keep them up to date by various means of communication.

Amid coronavirus measures, international students can keep working based on terms listed in their study permit. However, note that it may become a bit harder to find employment at this time.

Since the provinces have closed down all non-essential businesses, this is resulting in a huge job loss in half of the Canadian households, according to the report.

You can still apply for a post-graduate work permit as a graduate from a Canadian university or college.

In general, getting a PGWP could become difficult if you have missed a term of school or received most classes online. However, IRCC announced that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, international students will not face any disqualification when applying for a Post Graduation Work Permit since they are forced to take all of their academic classes online.

Please note that you may not be able to return to your home country at this time. Therefore, international students may need to extend their stay (IMM5708) in Canada if their status is going to expire.