Guidelines for International Students During COVID-19 Pandemic

It is not an easy time for international students. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected their study abroad plans. Regular classes are not there, and residences are no longer open. Moreover, self-isolation and difficult economic situations have further worsened the situation for overseas students. This blog post aims to provide some information about the support systems available to international students in Canada to stay updated on the latest developments.

Travelling to Canada

In the initial stages of the coronavirus pandemic, Canada closed down its borders to non-essential travellers. Shortly afterwards, in March 2020, the Canadian government opened up borders for overseas students holding valid study permits and those with approved study permits. Further, to enter Canada, overseas students had to have valid travel documents such as an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) with them. Later, in October 2020, the government allowed certain international students to enter Canada if their designated learning institutions (DLIs) had put in place an approved COVID-19 plan. The DLI had to:

• Have a plan for distributing all required information to international students as regards health and travel before they arrive in Canada
• Ensure that students remained in quarantine for two weeks after reaching Canada
• Provide needed guidance to students as regards getting food and medication during the quarantine period
• Put in place protocols to safeguard the students’ health if they happen to contract COVID-19 while at the DLI

As such, international students should plan their travel only after meeting all requirements and receiving the necessary authorization from the concerned authorities.

Also read: The Easiest Provinces for Canadian PR

Travelling from Canada

The government of Canada advises that people should avoid all travel out of the country unless it is essential. Those international students who wish to travel to their home country must ascertain no entry restrictions. Further, they must also consider their return to Canada later and whether it impacts their Post-Graduate Work Permit application eligibility.

Accommodation

Student residences in Canada remain closed. This is to ensure the safety of students and help flatten the infection curve. Some residences may continue to allow international students to stay, and some may help them find alternate accommodations. A few hotels may allow students to utilize the facilities to self-isolate themselves. However, they must stay inside their room for two weeks. However, students will have to pick up food, fresh linens, etc., kept outside their rooms. Further, authorities in all provinces ensure that landlords are not evicting tenants during these trying times.

Academics

The schools across Canada remain closed, while colleges and universities hold online sessions to complete the winter semester. Therefore, students need to have a laptop and a reliable Internet connection. Further, they should brace themselves for online learning for some time in the foreseeable future. Many universities have done away with final exams and changed the grading scheme. Students must check with their respective institutions for more information on how the crisis will impact their academic year.

Moreover, most colleges and universities have shut their international centers. However, they provide help to international students over the phone, email, video conferencing, etc. Administrative offices also remain closed.

Employment

International students can work as per the terms in their study permit. However, it might be a little challenging to find jobs in the present scenario. This is because 50 percent of Canadian households are jobless. Further, provinces are closing down non-essential businesses. As per guidelines, full-time students can work for 20 hours a week during the study term. However, they may work full-time during holidays and scheduled breaks. In the case of online classes, students may work for 20 hours per week.

Post-Graduate Work Permits

After completing their graduate studies, students can apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). Usually, international students who take too many online classes, miss a term, or study part-time are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit. However, in the present circumstances, the IRCC has confirmed that students who take online classes can apply for the PGWP.

You may also want to read:  Reasons for Canada Student Visa Rejection

Extending Students’ Stay

Under the current circumstances, students who cannot return to their home country must apply for an extension of their student status if it has expired or is likely to expire soon. Are you an international student studying in Canada? Has your status as a student expired? If yes, then you must contact us today. At Immilaw Global, immigration law specialists can help you extend your student status and legally remain in Canada.