Canadian Designated Learning Institutions Reopening to International Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: As of October 20, 2020, there are many designated learning institutions (DLI’s) that have reopened and are allowing international students to travel to Canada, so long as they have been approved for a Canadian study permit and are travelling to Canada for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose. This comes after a special program was announced by IRCC on May 14, 2020 that permitted international students to enroll and participate in online classes while they are overseas.
COVID-19 readiness plan for DLI’s
In order to be eligible to reopen to international students outside Canada, DLI’s must have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory.
The readiness plan must show the following:
- protects the health and safety of all students and the surrounding community
- describes how they will manage the mandatory 14-day quarantine period for international students, including arrangements for transportation to the students’ quarantine location
- provides information and support to international students about
- how they can get the items they need for their quarantine, like food and medications
- health insurance remaining healthy while in Canada.
If you think your approved school may have a readiness plan and have questions about it, contact them directly.
Studying at an approved DLI
You must be studying at one of the approved DLI’s to be able to travel to Canada. If the DLI is not listed in the approved list, you may not travel at this time. Do not risk purchasing an airline ticket or attempt to cross the border. You will not be able to enter Canada. DLI’s are only approved once their provincial or territorial government has approved their COVID-19 readiness plan.
Family members who will be coming with you to Canada can’t travel to Canada before you do.
If you cross the border into Canada regularly for school Students who cross the border daily or regularly for their classes may be exempt from having to quarantine. Find out if the province or territory in which your DLI is located has approved the exemption.
Information is constantly changing and more DLI’s are being added to the list. Another update is scheduled for December 15, 2020. If you have any questions, please free to contact us at info@poonahimmigrationlaw.com.
