Canada could remove international student travel restrictions

Canada might be looking to ease travel restrictions for international students since the fall 2020 semester is approaching. A letter obtained by CIC News confirms that the Canadian government is trying to come up with more ways with which they can welcome more international students.

International students have not been allowed to enter Canada since March 18 unless they had received a study permit that was approved before that date. Canada imposed the travel restrictions in March in order to contain the spread of the virus. Now, the rules are being relaxed slowly.

Students from the U.S. were exempted from the restrictions very recently. However, they still have to fulfill certain criteria if they want to enter Canada.

Details of the letter:

The letter obtained by CIC News is undated, but it was signed by Marco Mendicino, Canada’s immigration minister, and Patty Hajdu, health minister. The recipients were asked to send a reply by July 24, 2020. The aim of the letter is to provide a chance for the two ministers to engage in a conversation on this subject with the provincial and territorial governments of Canada.

Designated learning institutions (DLIs) were also included in this conversation about looking for ways to welcome international students safely to Canada in the near future. DLIs refer to colleges, universities, and all other educational institutions that are permitted by federal and provincial governments to welcome international students.

Education for international students in Canada:

The Canadian Constitution places education under provincial and territorial jurisdiction. Canada currently does not have a federal education department, and so the international student policies are decided by multiple federal departments. If the federal government wants to make a decision with reference to international students, it must consult with the provinces and territories.