The government of Canada has announced last October 20, 2020 that some designated learning institutions (DLIs) are now able to reopen to international students who aren’t currently in Canada.
All they need is to have an approved study permit and an acceptance letter coming from a Designated Learning Institutions or DLI.
What if I have a granted student visa, what should I do?
Before traveling to Canada, here are some of the things that you should do:
1. Check if your school is on the list of Canada’s Designated Learning Institutions.
2. Contact your school and ask about their COVID-19 readiness plan.
3. Prepare the things that you need to bring and do when you travel to Canada.
Here’s a breakdown of the above-mentioned items:
What are Designated Learning Institutions or DLIs?
A designated learning institution is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. As an international student, you have to check first if your school is on this list and must have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory.
Want to check if your school is one of the DLIs? Click HERE.
What is in the COVID-19 readiness plan?
It is a mandatory plan for institutions accepting students from outside Canada. The plan should state that they are ready to:
· protect the health and safety of all students and the surrounding community
· describe how they will manage the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international students, including arrangements for transportation to the students’ quarantine location
· provide information and support to international students about how they can get the items they need for their quarantine, like food and medications, health insurance and remaining healthy while in Canada
You should contact your school and ask they do have this plan and make sure that you also prepare for it.
What should I expect during the process of my travel to Canada?
After securing that your school is on the list of DLIs with COVID-19 readiness plans approved by their province or territory, you are then expected to undergo the following set of procedures:
1. When the border services officer greets you, they look at several factors, including: (a) your reason for traveling to Canada
(b) your ability to complete a 14-day quarantine period as soon as you arrive at your final destination and
(c) if you either have time to complete your quarantine before you physically attend classes, or can study online during your quarantine
2. You must present the necessary documents to prove that you have a permit to travel.
What documents should I bring when I travel to Canada?
You must bring the following documents:
1. A valid study permit or a port of entry letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit
2. A valid letter of acceptance from a DLI with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by its province or territory
3. Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information Service for more information.
A border services officer will make the final decision on whether you’re eligible to enter Canada when you arrive.
And if you are reading this as an aspiring international student of Canada, then you should at least know where to start your application.
How do I start applying for a student visa to Canada?
In order to properly start your immigration journey to Canada, you must first check if you are eligible to immigrate. You can avail a free digital assessment from The Visa Center or visit any of their nearest offices.
Once, you know your eligibility, it is best to follow the guidelines and submit the requirements which will be discussed in detail by your Processing Officer.
The government of Canada has been transparent about the possible details in their processing of applications but still guarantees that they are working hard to assess and give the right decision in each applications.
Important things to remember before traveling to Canada as an international student:
1. Despite the opening of doors to international students, you must still remember that the pandemic is far from over.
2. Make sure to practice good personal hygiene and always adhere to social distancing rules.
3. Have a plan on how you will manage to secure your necessities such as food and medication during your quarantine.
