Canada COVID-19 Measures: Guide for International Students

Canada is one of the world’s most popular study destinations for international students. Home to many prestigious universities and institutions, students head to Canada to pursue a recognized degree to get a headstart on their career aspirations.

However, with the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, students will have to take extra care and precautions when looking to travel or return to Canada to pursue their studies.

In this article, we will highlight what you need to know to successfully study in Canada safely and minimize any potential delays.

What You Must Know To Study In Canada During The Pandemic

1. Canada’s Border Status For International Students

The Canadian borders are currently open to international students.

In addition, if you are fully vaccinated, you may qualify to be exempt from quarantine, hotel stopover as well as a day-8 COVID testing requirement.

You can find more details here.

2. Quarantine Rules To Take Note Of In Canada

Students will have to prepare for a 14-day quarantine before their school term starts in case they do not meet the requirements to be considered "fully vaccinated." As such, they will have to ensure they have individual accommodations, of which, hostels and residences or other shared living accommodations are not acceptable.

They will be able to live with a homestay provider or host family, however, they will have to self-isolate in a separate bedroom and practice safe-distancing from household members.

This also includes avoiding public and shared spaces and avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk for severe illness such as older adults.

Failure to comply with the mandatory quarantine will involve a hefty fine of up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.

3. General COVID-19 Regulations For Daily Living In Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has established public health measures and guidances that the public and visitors are to follow.

These include safe physical distancing of one to two meters between two people from different households. This will include indoor activities, especially those that involve high-intensity exercise in gyms.

The use of masks will also be necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals are also encouraged to practice hand hygiene such as the frequent washing of hands and utilizing hand sanitizers where necessary and when available.

It is also recommended, especially for students, to practice proper ventilation in your rooms, be it in the hostel, shared residences or homestay. This practice will help dilute and replace the air that might potentially contain the COVID-10 virus.

4. IDP Student Support Resources

At IDP, we have a collection of resources that will help you better navigate how to study abroad in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out more about the local COVID-19 situation and updates on Canada’s official page for international students here.

You can get in touch with us through our helpline here.

Understand how to study abroad safely and how to better prepare for your overseas adventure.

Keep up to date with the latest border status of various study destinations from Canada to Australia on our resource page here.

Have further questions about studying abroad during the pandemic? We have all of the answers for you in our article here.

Study Abroad Safely In Canada With IDP

Navigating the landscape to study abroad in Canada can get confusing, especially during this pandemic period.

That’s why at IDP, we are here to help make things easier. Fill out our inquiry form to get started!