Maple News reports that American families planning to send their children to school in Canada this fall are navigating a particularly complex landscape due to ongoing border restrictions and processing delays.
As per the latest updates, Canada has extended its COVID-19-related travel restrictions on U.S. travelers until at least September 21, weeks after the academic year begins across most Canadian provinces. This move has created uncertainties for U.S. parents supporting their children’s cross-border education.
Notably, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to face significant backlogs in processing study permit applications. Online applications for new study permits are currently estimated to take up to 20 weeks. This has pushed many students and parents to seek same-day permits at Canadian ports of entry—a route that is no longer guaranteed.
Since March, Canada has enforced strict rules prohibiting travel for what it deems “discretionary or optional” purposes. This includes traveling to ports of entry solely to apply for a study permit. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has clarified that American students may still be eligible to receive study permits upon arrival—provided they can prove their presence in Canada is essential.
To establish that in-person attendance is required, students must present compelling documentation—such as a letter from their educational institution confirming that remote learning is not feasible or that physical presence is mandatory for specific components of their program.
In addition to securing a valid study permit, any student entering from the U.S. must complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine and show a detailed plan for adhering to Canada’s self-isolation guidelines. Entry approval remains at the discretion of CBSA officers at the border.
Parents hoping to accompany or drive their children to Canada face even stricter entry conditions. CBSA has stated that such travel is normally considered discretionary, meaning that parents could be denied entry unless they can justify their trip as essential and present a viable quarantine plan of their own.
Maple News advises families to plan well in advance, ensuring all documentation and safety plans are in place. It’s crucial to understand that final entry decisions rest entirely with border officers, even if all other requirements appear to be met.
While Canada remains committed to welcoming international students, the current public health measures make early preparation essential for a smooth start to the upcoming school year.