Canada—The Government of Canada makes a significant step in reopening its borders for Canadians and international travellers by taking a risk-based and measured approach. Effective Aug. 9, 2021, Canada will accept fully vaccinated individuals. 

Individuals accepted in Canada are limited to international students, postgraduates with or without job offers, and  U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

With the growth of online learning, where instruction is done remotely and on digital platforms, the worldwide pandemic has drastically altered education. Students, especially those who want to study abroad, have raised concerns as the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over.

All travellers must use ArriveCAN, the official app or web portal, to submit their travel information to determine whether they are eligible for exceptions. If requirements are met, they no longer need to undergo quarantine.

However, all travellers must undergo the pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test, provide a quarantine plan, and be prepared to quarantine if they do not satisfy the requirements at the border.

For unvaccinated travellers who will arrive by air from July 5, 2021 to Aug. 9, 2021, they have to book a government-authorized hotel for three (3) nights and complete a 14-day quarantine Day-8 Test. This applies even if you tested negative on the pre-entry test and have a place to quarantine alone.

Direct travel to Canada for international students from India is prohibited until Aug. 21, 2021. Those travelling to Canada from India during that time must take an indirect route and obtain a negative pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result from a third country before crossing the border.

On Sept. 7, 2021, the border will be opened to fully vaccinated travellers from all countries for discretionary or non-essential travel. All incoming passengers still have to meet the pre-entry test regardless of vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals, on the other hand, must still undergo a 14-day quarantine.

The Government of Canada’s decision in the travel industry has been making progress as it strives to make Canada the prime destination for international students.

As the global pandemic scenario evolves, everyone is still encouraged to take precautionary measures at all times, get credible information, and adhere to all territorial and local public health regulations upon arrival in Canada. 

Abcodo is the in-house recruitment partner of MSM Unify, a student recruitment and marketing platform that connects partner schools to top-tier agents and their students worldwide. Sign up now to get the latest updates and information on international student recruitment.