New Quarantine Rules for International Students to Canada

Canada has begun to ease border restrictions which is welcomed news for international students and all other travellers coming to Canada

Most notably, starting August 9th those who are able to enter Canada - this includes study permit holders - do not need to quarantine if they are fully vaccinated, and you no longer need an on arrival COVID test (unless you are randomly selected).

The definition of fully vaccinated according to the Canadian government is 14 days since you got the final dose of a vaccine that has been approved by Health Canada. These currently include: Pfizer, Moderna, Astra Zeneca, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). Otherwise, you are still considered unvaccinated.

August 9th almost ends the government hotel quarantine, even for unvaccinated travellers, where travellers previously had to pay to stay in a government-approved hotel.

All that being said, you are still required to have a viable quarantine plan even if you are fully vaccinated and don't end up using it, in the event an immigration officer deems you do not meet the vaccination requirements. The Government of Canada issued a this statement specifically targeting international students coming to Canada this fall, outlining everything they need to do to enter Canada.

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Quarantine plan

Regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not, you will need a valid quarantine plan for a period of 14 days. As mentioned, this no longer includes the stay in the government hotel.

Your quarantine plan must show you will be in a location where you:

1. can stay for 14 days or longer
2. have access to the necessities of life (food, water, medication, heat, etc.)
3. can avoid contact with others who did not travel with you
4. have no visits from family or guests

You can assess your quarantine plan here.

After that, you have to submit your plan to border officials through the ArriveCAN app. This is the Canadian government app that has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic for officer-traveller communication, and a place to submit all the documents you will need for travel.

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Rules and regulations may change

As the COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid situation, these rules are subject to change. Canadian health officials are continuing to monitor COVID abundance and responses both inside and outside Canada in order to adapt immigration regulations.

If you have any questions you can reach us at contact@borderpass.ca. Also, check out our latest blog on the Student Direct Stream!

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