Canadian schools reopening to international students

Shelby Thevenot
Published: October 21, 2020

Canadian schools with coronavirus readiness plans can start accepting new study permit holders, as of October 20.

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now able to accept international students irrespective of the date the study permit was obtained. DLIs are colleges, universities, and other educational institutions approved by the government to welcome international students.

Before, the only international students that could travel to Canada were those who held a valid study permit as of March 18, 2020, the date that Canada's coronavirus travel restrictions took effect.

To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must meet these two requirements:

Your travel to Canada will be considered essential if you have all of the required documents and your DLI is on the approved list.

As a student, your travel to Canada won’t be considered essential if:

  • your study program has been cancelled or suspended
  • you’re entering Canada for any reason other than to study

Students still need to quarantine for 14 days once they arrive in Canada.

In order to welcome new international students, DLIs needed to have a coronavirus readiness plan approved by their province or territory. Plans should describe how they manage the mandatory quarantine period for students, including arrangements for transportation to the student's quarantine location.

Discover your options to study in Canada

They must also provide information and support to international students about how they can get the items they need for their quarantine, like food, medicine, and health insurance.

International students can contact their school directly if they have questions about their readiness plans.

Only students who are going to approved DLIs are allowed to travel to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) says more institutions will be added to the list of approved DLIs. The IRCC webpage has a complete list of approved DLIs, and will update as more come available. Canada will also remove DLIs if they no longer meet their provincial or territorial public health requirements.

Students who are not going to an approved DLI will not be allowed to board their flight if they try to travel to Canada.

Family members of students may not travel to Canada before the student.

How many post-secondary schools have approved COVID-19 readiness plans?

All post-secondary DLIs are approved to open to international students in Quebec, however the government still recommends to check their list.

There are 39 post secondaries open in Alberta, and British Columbia. There are 10 Manitoba schools, 13 in New Brunswick, three in Newfoundland and Labrador, 14 in Ontario, five in Prince Edward Island, seven in Saskatchewan, and one in the Yukon.

Post-secondary schools are not approved to reopen to international students in Nova Scotia, Nunavut, or North West Territories.

Primary and secondary schools by province

Primary and secondary schools in Canada follow the health regulations set out by their province or territory.

All primary and secondary schools are approved to reopen to international students in Quebec.

All public and private primary and secondary schools are approved to reopen in the provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

Primary and secondary schools are closed to international students in the provinces and territories of: Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Nunavut, Nova Scotia, North West Territories, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador.

Discover your options to study in Canada

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Will Canada make its current international student off-campus work hours policy permanent?
Portrait of a girl with a backpack and school supplies in the hallways of the university campus with her classmates in the background.
Can I extend or renew my Post-Graduation Work Permit? 
Happy business man listening to a discussion in an office boardroom. Business professional sitting in a meeting with his colleagues.
What are my options if I need to defer my enrollment after obtaining my Canadian study permit?
Large group of students cheering at college sporting event
Travelling to Canada for the first time as a newcomer? Here is how you can arrive prepared
Plane landing
Top Stories
Why should I enter the Express Entry pool now despite a temporary pause in draws?
Will Canada make its current international student off-campus work hours policy permanent?
Receiving WES Credential Evaluation for Employment, Higher Education, or Licensing in Canada
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Sponsor Content
Receiving WES Credential Evaluation for Employment, Higher Education, or Licensing in Canada
Join CanadaVisa and WES for an opportunity learn how a credential evaluation can help you reach your educational or professional career goals in Canada.
Introducing SAIT’s new Global Student Ambassador Program
The Global Student Ambassador Program at SAIT, facilitated through The Ambassador Platform, allows prospective international students to connect with student ambassadors online.
Planning for Retirement and Managing Your RRSPs: A Guide for New Canadians
Retirement planning refers to a strategy that helps you achieve financial security and maintain your desired lifestyle after you stop working.
Investing 101 for Newcomers to Canada: Understanding Investment Products (Part 2)
Link copied to clipboard