Maple News reports that, as of October 20, Canadian educational institutions with approved COVID-19 readiness plans are once again allowed to accept new international students — regardless of when their study permit was issued. This marks a significant shift in policy, following months of travel restrictions that had prevented most new permit holders from entering the country.
These institutions, known as Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), are post-secondary schools such as universities and colleges that meet specific federal criteria. Previously, only students who held valid study permits as of March 18, 2020, the date when Canada first implemented its pandemic-related border controls, were eligible to enter the country.
To qualify for travel to Canada, international students must meet two key requirements: they must hold either a valid study permit or a letter of introduction confirming their study permit approval, and they must be enrolled at a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan that has been approved by its respective provincial or territorial government.
Students with the necessary documentation and enrollment at an approved DLI will have their travel considered essential. However, travel will not be deemed essential if a student’s academic program has been suspended or cancelled, or if they are attempting to enter Canada for reasons unrelated to study.
Once in Canada, international students are still required to comply with national health and safety regulations, including a mandatory 14-day quarantine period. DLIs must provide detailed plans that explain how they will manage the arrival of international students, including transportation to quarantine locations and practical support throughout the isolation process.
These approved schools are also responsible for ensuring that international students have access to essential goods and services during quarantine, such as food, medical care, and insurance.
Maple News encourages prospective students to contact their admitting institutions directly for detailed guidance on travel, quarantine arrangements, and COVID-19 preparedness. This reopening offers renewed hope for students eager to pursue their academic goals in Canada after months of uncertainty.
While this reopening represents progress, Canadian authorities emphasize the importance of planning ahead and verifying up-to-date information, as policies are subject to change based on evolving public health conditions.