December 4, 2020
As Canada enters into the second wave of the Covid-19 coronavirus, travel restrictions remain in place for those wishing to enter the country. While Canadian citizens and permanent residents have a right to enter, temporary residents such as foreign visitors, foreign students and foreign workers do not necessarily have the right to enter Canada at this time. This article explores the travel restrictions currently in place for foreign students and workers.
Foreign Students
Foreign students can travel to Canada if they meet the following criteria:
- Their Designated Learning Institution (school) must have an approved Covid-19 readiness plan
- They must have a Study Permit or a Study Permit approval letter
- They must use the ArriveCan application setting out a 14-day quarantine plan before attempting to travel to Canada, the receipt for which will need to be shown to the customs officer on arrival
- Have proof that they have enough money to support themselves in Canada and any dependents that are with them
Foreign students who are already in Canada can remain in the country and study. If they leave then attempt to re-enter, then they will be subject to the above-listed restrictions. Note that accompanying dependents of foreign students need to obtain written authorization in order to enter Canada, in addition to any required visa.
Foreign Workers
Foreign workers may enter Canada at this time if they meet the following criteria:
- They have a valid Work Permit and ordinarily live in Canada
- The have a valid Work Permit or work permit approval letter, and a valid job offer in Canada, and can work after completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine
- They must use the ArriveCan application setting out a 14-day quarantine plan before attempting to travel to Canada, the receipt for which will need to be shown to the customs officer on arrival
Foreign workers CANNOT enter Canada if the following applies:
- They have a Work Permit approval letter but their employer is closed due to the coronavirus
- The have an Open Work Permit approval letter but do not have an employer in Canada
Note that dependents of foreign workers (spouse and children) may enter Canada but need to first obtain written authorization to enter in addition to any required visa or ETA. The exception to this is for those entering directly from the USA.
