International students prepare return to Canada by the end of October

10/21/2020

International students around the world will be able to enter Canada to start or renew their studies as soon as October 20th.

The announcement made by the federal government has agencies and schools excited to see the slow return of international students into the country.

“That was a very good decision from immigration to allow the students to return, because some of them plan for a whole year to be in Canada to study in class. That will be very flexible for them to start planning their lives here.” – Luciana Santos, Enjoy Canada International Market Supervisor for South America

Enjoy Canada’s international market supervisor, Luciana Santos, said the agency has been hard at work helping students prepare for their arrival in Canada.

She said they have been recommending students to get all their proper documents ready to guarantee a smooth process. Documents include the letter of acceptance or enrollment, a quarantine plan, place where they will be residing, all visa required papers and other documents.

The market supervisor also said, although new students will be coming in January, most international students arriving to Canada are those who were already studying here before the pandemic started.

International students prepare return to Canada by the end of October

Santiago Silva R. / October 19, 2020
 

BC is host to many international students, who are important contributors to the province’s economy.
(Province of British Columbia / Flickr)

International students around the world will be able to enter Canada to start or renew their studies as soon as October 20th.

The announcement made by the federal government has agencies and schools excited to see the slow return of international students into the country.

“That was a very good decision from immigration to allow the students to return, because some of them plan for a whole year to be in Canada to study in class. That will be very flexible for them to start planning their lives here.” – Luciana Santos, Enjoy Canada International Market Supervisor for South America

Enjoy Canada’s international market supervisor, Luciana Santos, said the agency has been hard at work helping students prepare for their arrival in Canada.

She said they have been recommending students to get all their proper documents ready to guarantee a smooth process. Documents include the letter of acceptance or enrollment, a quarantine plan, place where they will be residing, all visa required papers and other documents.

The market supervisor also said, although new students will be coming in January, most international students arriving to Canada are those who were already studying here before the pandemic started.

Because of COVID-19, many students were forced to leave or stay in their home countries due to financial constraints, uncertainty, and border closures. She said they could not afford to remain in Canada for that long without having a job.

But on October 2nd, Canada’s immigration minister, Marco Mendicino made the announcement on Twitter that international students can return to Canada, albeit with some conditions.

“Starting in late October, international students attending a designated learning institution that has been identified by their provincial or territorial government as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan will also be able to enter Canada.” – Marco Mendicino, Canada’s Federal Immigration Minister

Minister Mendicino also stated in a press release that travel restrictions are still in effect, meaning new and returning students must quarantine for 14 days once they arrive. They also need to meet two requirements: to be travelling for an essential purpose, and to have a valid study permit.

That is why Enjoy Canada and other immigration agencies are insisting international students have all their documents ready for when they arrive. Santos said it is essential for students to demonstrate they need to physically be in Canada to complete their programs. For example, if a student is required to make use of school facilities or equipment for their courses, they need to have the school provide them a letter stating that is a requirement for the completion of the program.

International students are also strongly advised by their agencies and the federal government to make travel plans only after they have met all requirements. For more information on these requirements, you can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

BCIT news

https://bcitnews.com/2020/10/19/international-students-prepare-return-to-canada-by-the-end-of-october/