Last week, the Canadian government announced changes to its COVID-19 travel restrictions, including amendments that will allow more international students into the country.
Starting October 20, 2020 international students who are currently outside of Canada and who will be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) that has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place will be provided entry into Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said it will have a list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 plans on its website on or before October 20. University Canada West (UCW) expects to be on the list when it is made available as UCW’s reopening plan has received approval from the Ministry of Advanced Education.
Before being allowed to reopen to students, post-secondary institutions across Canada had to prepare a COVID-19 readiness plan and submit it to their provincial or territorial government for approval. As part of the plan, schools are expected to provide specific information about how they will provide information to international students on health and travel requirements before the arrive in Canada, help students with their quarantine plans and provide guidance or assistance in getting necessities, such as food and medications, during their quarantine.
The plans also must include protocols for students in the event there are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases at the school.
UCW’s plan was approved by the BC Government in September and you can review the plan here.
Published on Oct. 9, 2020.
