Canada will open border for international students heading to coronavirus-ready institutions

International students with study plans in Canada were left helpless after the emergence of the pandemic. They could not figure out how to continue with their plans. The Canadian government, however, went out of its way to introduce new measures benefitting international students and allowing them to begin their study year. Recently, the country went a step further and announced that international students who are enrolled in certain institutions that have approved COVID-19 readiness plans could now be allowed to come back to Canada.

Canada has been strict with its border travel restrictions in order to keep the spread of the coronavirus in check. However, the country is slowly allowing in more groups of people since the situation is improving.

Eligible international students can travel back to Canada from October 20, only if their study institution has prepared a coronavirus-readiness plan that has been approved by its territorial or provincial health authority. Unless the plan has official approval, the institution will not be allowed to welcome their students.

What will DLIs do?

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will have to submit the details of their readiness plan to the territorial or provincial government. Usually, this level of government is responsible for education in Canada. The plans must include details about how the institutions are planning to alert international students and provide them with necessary information before they arrive in the country.

Health and travel requirements should be conveyed to the international students beforehand. DLIs should also help students out with their quarantine plans, and assist them when it comes to acquiring necessities during the quarantine. The plans must also establish health and safety protocols for students who fall prey to coronavirus, if at all any. Immigration, Refugees, a

nd Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will publish the list of approved DLIs on their webpage soon.