Program delivery update: COVID-19 – Students: Travel to Canada
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
February 4, 2021
Clarifications have been made to the instructions regarding international students travelling to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information has been added about the requirement for travellers to Canada to use the ArriveCAN application prior to boarding their flight.
Valid immigration medical examination results have been added as a required document for students travelling to Canada from the United States and other countries. Note that this is not a new requirement.
Occurrences of “non-optional and non-discretionary purpose of travel” have been replaced with “non-discretionary purpose of travel”.
A note box has been added clarifying that students coming to Canada for a short-term program (less than 6 months), who are normally exempt from requiring a study permit under section 188 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, won’t be admitted under current travel restrictions unless they obtain a study permit.
Additional information has been added regarding immediate family members accompanying travelling study permit holders.
A new section has been added under the header “Cross-border students” to provide information about exemptions for students who regularly commute across the Canada–U.S. border for school.
Updated instructions
- Students – Travel to Canada: COVID-19 program delivery