Maple News reports that the Canadian federal government has released a comprehensive guide to help international students navigate travel and health protocols as they arrive in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Titled “COVID-19: Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad,” the document outlines the roles and responsibilities of designated learning institutions (DLIs), federal and provincial governments, and the students themselves.
International students planning to travel to Canada must meet several health and immigration requirements before departure and upon arrival. Anyone — including accompanying family members — showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board their flight. If symptoms appear after landing, individuals may be subject to health screenings and could be denied entry or referred for medical evaluation.
Only students attending approved DLIs with a government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan are currently allowed entry into Canada. These institutions are listed on an official government page that is regularly updated. A valid study permit or study permit approval is required, but it alone does not grant authorization to travel. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will provide that authorization separately and may revoke it if the student’s school or region no longer meets entry criteria.
To be permitted into Canada, international students must prove to border officers that their purpose of travel is essential and non-discretionary. This includes demonstrating enrollment in an approved institution. Entry may be denied if students cannot meet these conditions.
Immediate family members, such as spouses, dependent children, or legal guardians of minor students, may accompany the student — but only if they also demonstrate a non-optional reason for travel. For example, assisting the student in settling into a new environment qualifies as a valid reason.
Quarantine protocols remain in place for all arriving travelers. International students and any accompanying family members must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. They are required to wear appropriate face coverings during their journey, including transportation to their quarantine location.
Health and safety measures outlined in the guide align with recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The goal is to ensure international students can continue their studies in Canada while minimizing the risk of virus transmission.
These steps reaffirm Canada’s commitment to maintaining public health while welcoming foreign students who play a vital role in the country’s education sector and economy.