As the world continues to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities and colleges in Canada have had to adapt to the changing landscape. Students are eager to know when universities will open in Canada and what measures have been put in place to ensure their safety. In this article, we'll explore the latest updates on when universities will open in Canada, as well as the resilient and creative ways universities and colleges are taking a step forward to support their communities. The Canadian government has implemented travel restrictions for international students due to the pandemic.
Students who are unable to travel to Canada due to delays in processing study permits or other travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will be admitted to online classes. The Government of Canada has also put in place measures to help students who need additional time to make travel arrangements or who will need to defer their studies. At present, only 4.6 percent of schools in Canada offer courses predominantly, if not entirely online, the same percentage they offered in-person classes last year. However, international students who are unable to return home due to cost or border restrictions can still enter Canada more than four weeks before the start of classes.
The IRCC has announced that if your in-class courses are moving to an online-only format due to COVID-19, you are still eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) if you have a study permit, study permit approval letter, or Approval in Principle provided that you complete 50% of the entire program within Canada. International students in Canada must apply online for the renewal of their permit to activate implied status. Additionally, all persons entering from outside the country are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. The Canadian government is now requiring that all international travelers arriving in Canada show a negative COVID-19 molecular test. Canada is consistently among the best places in the world to live according to the United Nations, and Canadians are known for being friendly and polite.
With these measures in place, international students can feel confident that they will be able to study safely and securely in Canada.