IRCC News, October-2020:
DLIs to reopen to international students
Starting October 20, 2020, DLIs with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory will be able to reopen to international students who are currently outside Canada. A new list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans will be available on or before this date.
If you plan to come to Canada as an international student on or after October 20, 2020, your DLI must be on the list of DLIs with approved COVID-19 readiness plans before you travel to Canada. This change will apply to all international students, whether you’re travelling from the United States or from any other country.
This change doesn’t affect study permit holders already in Canada.
If you’re already in Canada, you can continue studying at any DLI. If you leave Canada, you may not be able to return if your DLI doesn’t have a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory in which you live.
IRCC News, 1-July-2020:
As of July 1, 2020, IRCC is processing all online visitor visa and eTA applications, so you can be ready to travel when the restrictions are lifted.
IRCC News, 11-June-2020:
Until further notice, most people can’t travel to Canada, even if they have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
So we can keep processing applications from people who are eligible to travel to Canada, we’re temporarily
- changing how you apply
- suspending processing of some applications
Due to the impacts of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we can’t
- process applications normally
- provide accurate processing times
We’re prioritizing some applications, including
- Canadians trying to return to Canada
- vulnerable people
- people who perform or support essential services
If you’re not eligible to travel to Canada, don’t apply during the suspension of normal processing (until June 30, 2020).
Who is eligible to travel to Canada
Foreign nationals, including United States (US) citizens, can travel to Canada only if they’re eligible.
Immediate family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
To be eligible, you must provide evidence that:
- you’re an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
- you’ll be staying in Canada for at least 15 days.
You must also have a quarantine plan that shows how you will quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including how you will get to your destination, obtain groceries, and access essential services and medical care. This plan is mandatory.
If you’re staying for less than 15 days, you must meet the same requirements as all other foreign nationals.
All other foreign nationals
To be eligible, you must meet 2 requirements:
- You must be travelling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose
- You must be either
- exempt from the travel restrictions
- travelling directly from the US
You must also have a quarantine plan that shows how you will quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including how you will get to your destination, get groceries, and access essential services and medical care. This plan is mandatory.
If you’re eligible to travel to Canada
Until June 30, 2020, you must apply online for
- visitor visas (including transit visas)
- eTAs
- study permits
- work permits
IRCC News,
Last updated: April 20, 2020:
Temporary foreign workers, some international students and approved permanent residents who haven’t yet landed are now able to enter Canada.
The travel restriction exemptions that were announced are now in place. If you’re exempt, you can now travel to Canada.
If you’re travelling by air, you need to pass a health check conducted by airlines before you’re allowed to board your flight. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air.
When you arrive in Canada, we’ll assess your health before you leave the port of entry. You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll be quarantined in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.
Only people who provide essential services, for example truck drivers who regularly cross the border to maintain the flow of goods, are exempt from the quarantine requirements.
IRCC News, 09-April-2020:
Until further notice, most people can’t travel to Canada, even if they have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA). Some people may still be able to travel to Canada if they’re exempt from the travel restrictions and coming for an essential purpose.
So we can keep processing applications from people who are exempt from the travel restrictions, we’re temporarily changing how you can apply to visit, work or study in Canada.
Between April 9 and 29, 2020, the application process will change for
- visitor visas (including transit visas)
- eTAs
- study permits
- work permits
Apply for a visitor visa or eTA:
If you’re not exempt from the travel restrictions, don’t apply during the pause (April 9 to 29, 2020). You will not be able to come to Canada.
IRCC News
New applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online
At this time, if you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit or work permit, apply online.
Due to service disruptions related to COVID-19, we are experiencing difficulties receiving and processing applications submitted by mail or in person at a VAC.
If your VAC is closed and you need to contact us urgently, use the Web form. Do not go to a visa office.