[ARCHIVED] COVID-19 IMMIGRATION AND TRAVEL FAQ FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
LAST UPDATED: February 28, 2023
Immigration and travel policies for international students continue to be adjusted in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This page contains information and updates on study permits, visas, work eligibility and travel requirements for newly-admitted and current international students at SFU. We will continue to update this page as more information is made available.
SFU international students, recent graduates, and newly admitted students who have questions about their immigration status in Canada, about applications currently being processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), or about applications they will make in the near future, can contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist by live chat, email, virtual appointment, or phone for assistance.
If you are in Canada and unable to go home because of concerns related to COVID-19, you must maintain your legal immigration status in Canada (e.g. study permit, work permit, visitor record).
Updated April 22, 2020 — Return to top
If you have questions, you can contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist to discuss your options.
If you have been accepted to SFU and have an SFU letter of acceptance you should apply for a study permit as soon as possible. You can find general information about applying for an initial study permit from outside of Canada on the ISS website. IRCC advises all applicants outside of Canada to apply online for a study permit.
Updated July 28, 2020 — Return to top
If you have questions about applying for a study permit after reviewing our online resources, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.
You are required to provide biometrics if you have not done so for an application to come to Canada in the past 10 years (unless exempted). For more information visit the IRCC website. You can check to see if you already have valid biometrics on file using IRCC's check status tool.
Some Visa Application Centres (VACs) and Application Support Centres (ASCs) are temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are required to provide biometrics, you can still submit your study permit application and pay the biometrics fee even if the VAC/ASC in your area is temporarily closed.
On April 12, 2021, IRCC announced that deadlines for applicants to provide missing information or documents (including biometrics) will no longer be automatically extended.
- If you applied for your study permit before April 12, 2021, you will receive a final letter from IRCC to ask you to give your biometrics within 30 days.
- If you applied on or after April 12, 2021, please comply with the deadline indicated on your Biometrics Instruction Letter.
If you are outside Canada and are unable to provide biometrics by the deadline indicated in the instruction letter from IRCC due to COVID-19, you should contact IRCC to request an extension. It is not recommended to travel to another city or country to give your biometrics if your local VAC or ASC is closed. For information on how to request a deadline extension, visit the IRCC website.
Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top
Information on biometric collection
IRCC recommends to visit their website for updates on when biometrics collection will start again. You should schedule an appointment to give biometrics as soon as the biometrics collection centres resume normal operations.
For more information about biometrics enrollment amid COVID-19, please visit the IRCC website.
From the immigration perspective, while it may be possible to start your program remotely without having a valid study permit, please note that you will need a valid study permit for all in-Canada components of your program of study.
Additionally, there are a number of important factors and considerations you should keep in mind to make an informed decision about your studies in Spring 2023 term:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responsible for assessing study permit applications and determines whether or not your applications is approved:
- There is no guarantee that a study permit application will be approved
- Depending on when you start your program, studying online from outside of Canada may impact a future post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application. Note that, as of August 25, 2022, IRCC has announced that distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023, but with a reduced scope. To be eligible for PGWP, you must also meet other requirements including continous full-time enrollment in each academic session with only a few exceptions. Visit this FAQ for more information.
- Remote learning may not be a viable option for all students. Also, most courses in Spring 2023 will be offered in person with some classes being remote. Please assess your own academic considerations such as limited availability for remote classes, time zone differences and/or your own adaptability to remote learning environment.
- You should also familiarize yourself with important deadlines for the Spring 2023 term such as adding/dropping classes, tuition fees and refund deadlines:
- You may be eligible to apply and defer your admission to a future term. Visit here for more information about admission deferral process and deadlines
Please carefully consider your own comfort level in starting your program remotely without securing a study permit first.
Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top
During the pandemic, IRCC introduced a special provision that allowed international students to start their program online abroad and that time was counted towards the length of their PGWP. This provision has expired on August 31, 2022.
However, as of August 25, 2022, IRCC announced that distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023.
The extended measures are applicable for students whose programs start between September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023:
- No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
Read the full IRCC measures here.
Updated December 14 2022 — Return to top
Please note that the specific deadlines on tuition fee refund still apply if you choose to postpone your studies or withdraw from your courses/program due to refusal of your study permit application. Visit here to review SFU’s refund policy. For further questions regarding refund policies and amounts, please contact the Student Accounts office at student_accounts@sfu.ca.
Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top
International Student Advisors do not advise on academic matters. Please explore the following resources for course planning as indicated below:
- Undergraduate students: Please reach out to your academic advisor to check the availability of remote courses. Important Information about Spring 2023 courses can be seen here.
- Graduate Students: Please reach out to your Graduate Program Assistant and or Supervisor to discuss remote learning options.
Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top
Undergraduate students: The period to apply for a deferral for Spring 2023 is between October 15 – December 15, 2022. Information regarding deferral can be found here.
- Due to extenuating circumstances, you may request to defer after the deadline; however, the final decision is at the discretion of the admissions department.
If you have questions about the deferral, you can contact Admissions at 778.782.6930. Alternatively, you can submit your question using the Ask a Question Form https://community.sfu.ca/futurestudents/s/.
Graduate Students: You should make the request directly to your academic program.
If you have questions about impact of admissions deferrals on Scholarships and Awards, please email: fiassist@sfu.ca
If you have questions about SFU Housing, please email: housing@sfu.ca
Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top
If you are unable to start your program on time, please reach out to your respective instructors and inform them of your late arrival. You should also discuss and explore possible academic concession options with your instructors. The final decision on your request for academic concessions will be granted at the discretion of your individual instructors. To learn more about the academic concessions available to students, please click here.
If you have further questions about your academic options at SFU, you should consult an academic/program advisor. Please also keep in mind the add/drop deadlines in the event your study permit is not approved.
Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top
Currently, there are no measures in place whereby a study permit applicant can request expedited processing of their application. Unfortunately, as a post-secondary institution, SFU does not have the authority to intervene with IRCC on behalf of a student to request faster processing of an application. To check the current estimated processing time for a study permit application submitted outside of Canada, please click here.
Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top
Please email an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist at intl_advising@sfu.ca for assistance. We may be able to provide you with some guidance on how to strengthen your next application, should you wish to apply again. Alternatively, you may hire an authorized representative such as a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or lawyer to help you.
You may continue your online studies from outside Canada if you wish, since a study permit is not required for anyone who is not physically in Canada. However, you will require a study permit for all in-Canada components to your program.
Updated December 7, 2020 — Return to top
If you are transferring to SFU from another Canadian post-secondary institution you must submit your study permit extension application before your study permit expires in order to begin your studies at SFU. As long as you do this you are allowed to remain in Canada and continue studying until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your study permit extension application under maintained status (formerly known as implied status).
If you plan to work on or off campus during your studies at SFU and you were not previously authorized to do so you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit to have the appropriate work authorization remarks added. To review IRCC’s work eligibility requirements for study permit holders please visit the IRCC website.
Note that if you are holding a valid study permit and are transferring to SFU from another Canadian post-secondary institution, you are required to notify IRCC by completing the online designated learning institution (DLI) transfer. For instructions on how to complete this process please visit the IRCC website.
Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top
How to extend your permit
For instructions on how to extend your study permit or to change the conditions of your study permit please visit the ISS website.
If you have questions, you can contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
The steps you need to take will depend on where you are, and whether you are holding a valid study permit or a study permit approval letter. Please follow the instructions below:
IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY HOLDING A VALID STUDY PERMIT:
You must notify Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada of the change to your school
- Click here for instructions on this process
- If you experience any difficulty with the transfer process (for example, if the system cannot find a matching application), contact an International Student Advisor for help.
If your study permit will expire soon and you are:
- in Canada (or you will return to Canada before the expiry date of your study permit):
Apply to extend your study permit from inside Canada before it expires. Make sure to include your SFU Letter of Acceptance (as well as your SFU Confirmation of Enrollment letter, if you have enrolled in classes for the upcoming term) with your application. - outside Canada:
It is not possible to extend a study permit from outside Canada. If you will not return to Canada before the expiry date of your current permit, you must apply for a new (initial) study permit from outside Canada and wait for approval before travelling back to Canada. Make sure to include your SFU Letter of Acceptance (as well as your SFU Confirmation of Enrollment letter, if you have enrolled in classes for the upcoming term) with your application.
IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE CANADA WITH A STUDY PERMIT APPLICATION IN PROCESS OR APPROVED:
IRCC recently issued updated instructions for students who change schools after applying for a study permit. If you have applied for a study permit from outside Canada using a letter of acceptance or enrollment from FIC and
- your application has not been approved yet:
Please submit your SFU letter of acceptance (as well as your Confirmation of Enrollment letter, if you have enrolled in classes for the upcoming term) to IRCC via the web form as soon as possible, and request that your application be updated with this information. - your application has already been approved and you are holding a letter of introduction (POE letter) from IRCC:
If you did not provide a letter of acceptance or enrollment from SFU with your application, as per the updated guidelines provided by IRCC you will need to submit a new study permit application with these items and wait for final approval and a new letter of introduction before you travel to Canada.
Updated May 3, 2021 — Return to top
If you are joining SFU from a Canadian high school, you are not required to apply for a new study permit, provided that your current study permit remains valid. However, if your study permit will expire soon, please ensure that you submit an application to extend your study permit within Canada before its expiry date. As long as you apply to extend your study permit before it expires, you can continue to remain in Canada and start your studies at SFU under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) while waiting for a decision to be made on your application.
If you plan to work on or off campus during your studies at SFU, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit to have the proper work authorization imposed. You can’t start working until your study permit has been issued with the appropriate work authorization and you must meet other eligibility requirements.
Keep in mind that you can only extend your study permit from inside Canada. If you are outside Canada and will not return until after your current study permit expires, you will need to apply for a new (initial) study permit and wait for approval before travelling to Canada.
Updated June 2, 2021 — Return to top
You can find information about estimated processing times on the IRCC website. However, due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, many of the posted processing times are no longer accurate. If there is a delay in submitting the necessary documents to finalize your application, there may be an increase in the processing time.
According to IRCC, students outside Canada who submitted a complete study permit application by May 15, 2021 should have received a final decision by August 6, 2021. However, processing delays may still occur if you were unable to submit a complete application due to COVID-19 restrictions such as reduced services at visa application centres (VACs) or other providers.
Applications submitted after May 15 will be processed as quickly as possible, but may or may not receive a final decision before the Fall term begins.
Updated August 19, 2021 — Return to top
Under normal circumstances you are required to provide biometrics if you have not done so for an application to come to Canada in the past 10 years (unless exempted). Please note that this is still required if you are applying outside Canada. For more information visit the IRCC website. You can also use IRCC's Check Status Tool to see if you already have valid biometrics on file.
Please ensure that you submit an application to extend your study permit before your current study permit expires. If you do this you will be able to remain in Canada and continue studying under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit expires while you await processing.
Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top
You may apply for a study permit upon your arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry (e.g. your airport of arrival or land crossing into Canada) if you are:
- a citizen or permanent resident of the United States,
- a resident of Greenland, or
- a resident of St. Pierre and Miquelon
Please ensure that you will have all the supporting documents required to apply for a study permit at the port of entry. Please note that there is no guarantee of approval as the border services officer will make the final decision and determine if you will be eligible to enter Canada as a student. For more information about applying for a study permit at the port of entry, visit IRCC's website.
Updated October 22, 2020 — Return to top
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact an International Student Advisor for assistance. To find ways to connect with an advisor, please click here.
Updated July 28, 2022 — Return to top
Apply for a study permit online
It is strongly recommended that you apply for a study permit online before travelling to Canada. In general, it is not advisable to apply for a study permit at the port of entry at this time.
On September 26, 2022 the Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19 entry restrictions, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective October 1, 2022. This includes the requirement to submit public health information through ArriveCAN and to provide proof of vaccination. READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT HERE
To manage the outbreak of COVID-19, Canada has implemented travel restrictions to stop non-essential travel to Canada by most foreign nationals, with a few exemptions. For more information about the travel restrictions and exemptions, please visit IRCC’s website.
Determine your eligibility
You may also use the Government of Canada's online assessment tool to help you determine whether you are eligible to enter Canada at this time.
TRAVEL EXEMPTIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
As an international student, you must meet the following requirements to travel to Canada (until January 14, 2022):
- Must be attending a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan (e.g. SFU), AND
- One of the following must apply to you:
- you hold a valid study permit, or
- you have a valid letter of introduction from IRCC showing that your study permit application was approved (note: an approval-in-principle is not sufficient for travel)
International students who meet the above requirements will normally be considered to be travelling for a non-optional/non-discretionary purpose. If you are entering Canada for any reason other than studies, your travel won't be considered non-discretionary and you may not be allowed to enter, unless you are eligible for another exemption to the travel restrictions (such as the exemption allowing travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated to enter for discretionary purposes).
A Border Services Officer will make the final decision on whether you are eligible to enter Canada.
Starting January 15, 2022, international students will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. For more information, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?.
Please do not make plans to travel to Canada until you are sure you meet all requirements for entry, including final approval of your study permit application or a valid study permit, and a valid temporary resident visa or eTA if required.
Please see "What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?" for guidance on how to demonstrate eligibility to enter Canada.
Depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the current travel restrictions may be extended and/or changed. Due to the fluidity of the pandemic, we strongly recommend that you closely monitor these in preparation for travel to Canada.
Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top
Exceptions:
Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria may also enter Canada for an optional or discretionary purpose. For details and a full list of requirements, see COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada.
Exchange students who will come to SFU for one term (less than 6 months) are exempt from requiring a study permit and may enter Canada as visitors if they qualify as fully vaccinated travellers and hold a valid visa or eTA if required. For details on documents required for inbound exchange students to SFU, see Exchange and Study Abroad to SFU: Immigration Documents.
Immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may enter Canada for an optional or discretionary purpose, provided they will stay in Canada for at least 15 days. Visit the IRCC website for details.
As the rules around travel and entry to Canada continue to evolve and may change without notice, please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information on travel requirements.
Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.
Current requirements
Starting January 15, 2022, most international students 18 years and older, as well as workers and visitors, will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for the purpose of travel to Canada.
For details on these upcoming requirements, including limited exceptions, see the Backgrounder from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Travellers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and who meet specific criteria are exempt from certain quarantine and post-arrival testing requirements (unless randomly selected).
As an international student, if you are entering Canada to study at an approved institution (including SFU) and are holding a valid study permit or valid letter of introduction showing approval of your study permit application, your travel is considered essential (non-discretionary).
Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific entry requirements may enter Canada for a discretionary (non-essential) reason. Visit the Government of Canada website for detailed information on the requirements to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top
Expansion of eligible vaccine list
As of November 30, Canada has expanded the list of eligible vaccines for the purpose of travel to include three additional WHO-authorized vaccines (Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN).
For a current list of eligible vaccines and to check if you qualify as fully vaccinated, visit the Government of Canada website.
Starting January 15, 2022, travellers are eligible to enter or return to Canada if they qualify as a fully vaccinated traveler with only limited exceptions.
JUMP TO SECTION
- Submit your information to the Canadian Government via ArriveCAN
- Pre-register for COVID-19 arrivals testing (optional)
- Learn about available supports at SFU
- Non-medical masks or face coverings during travel
- Review additional information
SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION TO THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT VIA ARRIVECAN
You must use the ArriveCAN mobile app or sign in on a computer to enter your proof of vaccination, quarantine and travel information.
- Proof of vaccination and travel documents can be saved in your ArriveCAN traveller profile before any planned travel
- ArriveCAN is always free
To be ready for your trip, create your free ArriveCAN account
To get an ArriveCAN receipt, submit your travel and quarantine plan information within 72 hours before your arrival to Canada.
For more instructions on how to submit your ArriveCAN information, please go to this IRCC webpage.
In addition, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is now providing travellers the option to submit their customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival in Canada through ArriveCAN.
Submitting your declaration in advance will save you time when you arrive at the airport. The Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional feature built into ArriveCAN. All travellers arriving in Canada must continue to use ArriveCAN to submit mandatory travel and health information.
PRE-REGISTER FOR COVID-19 ARRIVAL TESTING, IF REQUIRED
Upon your entry to Canada by air or at a land border crossing, the border services officer may notify you that you have been randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test.
As a fully vaccinated traveller, you can travel to your destination, including on connecting flights, without waiting for your arrival test results (if selected for testing).
Since you may be required to get tested before exiting the airport, IRCC recommends that you register in advance with the testing provider for the airport you will arrive at to speed through the process.
For more information on arrival test exemptions, complete list of test providers, and how to complete your arrival test, please refer to this IRCC webpage.
LEARN ABOUT AVAILABLE SUPPORTS AT SFU
For detailed information about the available supports at SFU for students including information about arrival preparation, accommodation, and meals, please review our Student Arrival Support page.
For all official COVID-19 related updates at SFU including safety plan, safety measures, FAQs, list of campus services and more, visit our Return to Campus page.
NON-MEDICAL MASKS OR FACE COVERINGS DURING TRAVEL
All international air travelers must use non-medical masks or face coverings to cover their mouth and nose during federally regulated travel.
In the province of British Columbia, wearing masks in public indoor settings is no longer required by public health. Wearing a mask is a personal choice. Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required.
REVIEW ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information on SFU's COVID-19 readiness plans and protocols, please review the following resources:
- Student Arrival Support
- International Services for Students FAQ's: COVID-19 FAQ for International Students
- SFU Residence and Housing: General information during COVID-19 for residents
- Student Support and Resources
- SFU Community Resources: Frequently Asked Questions
- SFU Communicable Disease Plan
Updated August 9, 2022 — Return to top
Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.
Currently fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria may be exempt from the requirement to quarantine for 14 days. Please visit the Government of Canada website for detailed information on eligibility criteria for this exemption, including a list of acceptable vaccines.
As requirements may change without notice, please refer to the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information.
Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top
Jump to section
At the port of entry
A border services officer (BSO) will assess your eligibility to enter Canada under the current travel restrictions and make a final decision on whether to allow entry. They will also let you know whether you have been randomly selected for COVID-19 arrival test.
- Click here for information about current border procedures
- Click here for details on port-of-entry immigration procedures for international students
- Information regarding additional COVID-19 travel planning for arrival at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) can be found on the YVR website.
For more information about what to expect at the Canadian port of entry (airport or land border crossing), please visit the CBSA website. You can also find some general arrival information on our International Student Advising and Programs website.
Submitting information via ArriveCAN after arrival
If a BSO confirms that you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you may still be subject to random testing on arrival. However, you won’t need to report your results through ArriveCAN. Follow the instructions given to you by the border services officer.
For more information about what to do next, please refer to the scenarios listed in this IRCC webpage.
Completing your post-arrival COVID-19 test
Upon your entry to Canada by air or at a land border crossing, the BSO may notify you that you have been randomly selected for a mandatory arrival test.
As a fully vaccinated traveller, you can travel to your destination, including on connecting flights, without waiting for your arrival test results (if selected for testing).
Since you may be required to get tested before exiting the airport, IRCC recommends that you register in advance with the testing provider for the airport you will arrive at to speed through the process.
For more information on arrival test exemptions, complete list of test providers, and how to complete your arrival test, please refer to this IRCC webpage.
Accessing Available Supports at SFU
For detailed information about the available supports at SFU for students including information about arrival preparation, accommodation, and meals, please review our Student Arrival Support page.
For all official COVID-19 related updates at SFU including safety plan, safety measures, FAQs, list of campus services and more, visit our Return to Campus page.
Updated July 26, 2022 — Return to top
Upcoming changes to entry requirements for Canada were announced on September 26, 2022 and will come into effect on October 1, 2022. This announcement can be reviewed on the Government of Canada website.
General information can be found on the IRCC website. You should always carry your SFU Letter of Acceptance and/or Confirmation of Enrollment letter for entry to Canada.
All international students must carry supporting documents to demonstrate that they meet the travel exemptions and their purpose of travel is non-optional. These documents include but are not limited to:
- a valid study permit, or a Letter of Introduction confirming that your study permit has been approved by IRCC (an Approval-in-Principle/stage 1 approval of your study permit is not sufficient for travel)
- new students: a valid Letter of Acceptance (offer letter) from SFU and a current confirmation of enrollment letter from SFU (available once you have enrolled in classes for an upcoming term)
- current/returning students: a current confirmation of enrollment letter from SFU
- proof of funds available to support you in Canada
- proof of a valid immigration medical examination, if required
- ArriveCAN receipt
- proof that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, if applicable
Please note that the documents you use for travel should be as current as possible. For example, your Confirmation of Enrollment letter should be for the current or upcoming term -- not for a past term.
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) in addition to your study permit in order to travel to Canada. For more information, please visit the IRCC website.
You may contact the Border Information Service for more information about travel restrictions and exemptions for international students.
Be prepared to demonstrate that you are exempt from the travel restrictions both at the airport in your departure country and when entering Canada.
For more information about what to expect at the Canadian port of entry (airport or land border crossing), please visit the CBSA website. You can also find some general arrival information on our International Student Advising and Programs website.
Updated September 26, 2022 — Return to top
Exception:
Immediate and extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may enter Canada for an optional or discretionary purpose, provided they will stay in Canada for at least 15 days. Visit the IRCC website for details.
Under the current travel restrictions, a travel support letter from SFU is not required to enter Canada. However, you should be prepared to demonstrate your enrollment at SFU to show you meet the requirements for entry as an international student. Your official Confirmation of Enrollment letter from goSFU (showing your enrollment in classes for the current or upcoming term) is sufficient for this purpose.
For more information on documents required for travel, please see What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?
If the airline you are travelling with requires additional documents to allow you to board your flight toCanada, please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for advice.
Updated August 5, 2021 — Return to top
CURRENT REQUIREMENTS (THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2022)
Immediate family members (e.g. spouse/common-law partner, dependent children) may be able to come with you to Canada, provided that they have the proper immigration documents and a non-discretionary travel purpose. Generally speaking, family members who are seeking to accompany and support you during your studies in Canada will be considered as travelling for a non-discretionary purpose. For more information on how your accompanying family members may travel to Canada, please visit IRCC's website.
Depending on their country of citizenship, your family members may also require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
Most non-essential travel to Canada (such as travel for the purpose of tourism or a short-term visit) is not permitted under the current travel restrictions.
Fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific criteria are permitted to enter Canada for discretionary (non-essential) travel. Entry to Canada remains prohibited for all other foreign nationals, unless they are already exempt from the current travel restrictions and are travelling for an essential purpose.
VACCINATION REQUIRED FOR ENTRY STARTING JANUARY 15, 2022
Starting January 15, most international students, workers, and visitors, will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for the purpose of travel to Canada.
For details on these upcoming requirements and limited exceptions (including exemptions for accompanying children under the age of 18), see the Backgrounder from the Public Health Agency of Canada.
For more information, visit the Government of Canada website for COVID-19 vaccinated travellers.
Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top
If you were randomly selected for on-arrival testing and you test positive, you must quarantine for 10 days and monitor your symptoms for 14 days upon arrival. You must go directly to your self-isolation location.
There are multiple transportation options that you can use to get to your accommodation. Use private transportation to get to your place of quarantine, if possible. Visit SFU’s Leaving the Airport page for more information about your transportation options.
Note that travelers displaying symptoms of COVID-19 after arriving in Canada are not permitted to use public transportation (bus, train, taxi, or ride-sharing service) to travel to their place of isolation. If you have symptoms that may be due to COVID-19, you are only allowed to take private transportation (e.g. a personal vehicle) to get to your place of isolation. More information can be found on the IRCC website.
Updated April 25, 2022 — Return to top
Please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for guidance.
Please note that as of January 15, 2022, your vaccination status will impact your ability to enter Canada. For more information about the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?
Updated December 8, 2021 — Return to top
Everyone in British Columbia is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine regardless of their immigration status. For more information, visit the Immunize BC website.
For details on vaccination for students arriving from outside BC, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
Please note that as of January 15, 2022, your vaccination status will impact your ability to enter Canada. For more information about the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada, see What are the vaccination requirements for entry to Canada? Do I need to be vaccinated before I can travel?
Updated November 23, 2021 — Return to top
For more information on COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and support:
By order of the Public Health Officer, proof of vaccination will be required to access some events, services and businesses in British Columbia. Starting September 13, you must have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. By October 24, you must be fully vaccinated. For more details on this requirement, visit the Government of BC's website.
For information on obtaining a BC Vaccine Card if you were vaccinated for COVID-19 outside Canada, see How do I get the BC Vaccine Card if I was vaccinated in another country? on the SFU Student Support and Resources website.
Updated September 3, 2021 — Return to top
For information about proof of vaccination at SFU:
Starting June 20, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. (EDT), vaccination will no longer be required to board a plane or train in Canada.
You still must wear a mask throughout your journey.
This applies only to travel within Canada and flights or trains leaving Canada.
- Keep in mind that starting January 15, 2022, most travellers (including international students 18 years of age and older) who are entering Canada from another country, continue to be required to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Canada. Therefore, you must continue to follow all entry requirements, including for cruise ships.
We will continue to update this page as more details are made available. In the meantime, we recommend that you monitor the above links for updates, and plan your travel accordingly.
Read the full announcement here.
Updated June 15, 2022 — Return to top
Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented a set of travel restrictions. You may be able to return to Canada if you meet one of the exemptions to the travel restrictions.
For more information, please see:
- Will my upcoming travel to Canada be impacted by the current travel restrictions?
- What documents should I carry when I travel to Canada?
Note that depending on your country of citizenship you may require a valid temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) in addition to your study or work permit in order to travel to Canada. For more information please visit the IRCC website.
The most up-to-date information concerning travel restrictions to Canada can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Updated July 28, 2020 — Return to top
Travel restrictions to Canada
The most up-to-date information can be found on the Government of Canada website.
If you are remaining in Canada you must maintain valid immigration status at all times. You are required to submit an application to extend your study permit before it expires in order to remain in Canada as a student and continue studying at SFU. As long as you apply to extend your study permit before it expires you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit expires while you await processing.
Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top
Extend your study permit
For instructions on how to extend your study permit please visit the ISS website.
If you have questions, you can contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Extension of a study permit is an in-Canada process only, so it is not possible to extend your study permit from outside Canada. Instead, if you will not return to Canada before your study permit expires you must apply for a new (initial) study permit which will be processed by the visa office responsible for your region. Click here for information on the study permit application process outside Canada.
As a current student, you should include your current Confirmation of Enrollment letter from goSFU as a supporting document for your study permit application.
Updated March 5, 2021 — Return to top
You must submit an application to extend your study permit before it expires in order to maintain valid legal status in Canada, even if this means applying with a passport that is also about to expire. Although your study permit cannot be extended beyond your passport expiry date, submitting an extension application within Canada will allow you to benefit from maintained status (formerly known as implied status) while you await processing, which means you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) until you receive a decision. It may take a few months to process your study permit extension application, which will give you some extra time to obtain a new passport in the interim.
If you are submitting your extension application with a passport that is about to expire, you should include:
- an explanation detailing the following:
- why you have not been able to renew your passport
- when you are expecting to receive it (if known)
- state your intention to provide a copy of the new passport to IRCC when you receive it, and ask that the processing officer contact you in the event you have not submitted your new passport by the time your extension application is being processed
- any documents that could serve as evidence of your inability to renew your passport at this time (such as correspondence you have received from your home country regarding suspension of services, embassy closures etc.)
When you receive your new passport, immediately submit it to IRCC via their web form and request that it be attached to your study permit extension application.
Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top
If you applied to extend your study permit before it expired
As long as you applied to extend your study permit before it expired you can remain in Canada and continue studying (and working, if eligible) under maintained status (formerly known as implied status) until IRCC has made a decision with respect to your application, even if your study permit has expired while you await processing.
If you did not apply to extend your study permit before it expired
If your study permit has expired or become invalid and you did not apply to extend it before the expiry date, you must apply to restore your status in Canada. Normally an application for restoration must be submitted within 90 days after you lost legal status; however, under IRCC's temporary public policy in response to COVID-19, individuals whose status expired after January 30, 2020 are not subject to this 90-day limit and can apply for restoration until August 31, 2021. Despite this, if your study permit has expired and you wish to remain in Canada we recommend that you apply for restoration as soon as possible.
To apply for restoration, you must pay an additional fee and provide an explanation. You are also not permitted to study or work in Canada until the application is approved. Please review our website for information on the process.
Updated February 28, 2023 — Return to top
Although IRCC introduced flexibility on enrollment requirements for on-/off-campus work eligibility as well as post-graduation work permit eligibility for students who were forced to drop to part-time enrollment or take time off in Spring or Summer 2020, they have not extended this flexibility beyond Summer 2020. As of Fall 2020, the enrollment requirements for study permit compliance, on- and off-campus work eligibility, and post-graduation work permit eligibility have returned to normal.
Please see our Enrollment Requirements for International Students website for information on the immigration implications of different enrollment decisions, including:
Updated July 8, 2021 — Return to top
Work Permits
International students who wish to work on or off campus in Canada, and those who would like to maintain post-graduation work permit eligibility, should enroll full time in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021.
In order to work on or off campus in Canada you will need to ensure that you meet IRCC’s requirements for working on and/or off campus.
- For Spring and Summer 2020, IRCC announced flexibility on the work eligibility rules for international students who were eligible to work on or off campus but were forced to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19. Click here for archived information on SFU students' work eligibility in Spring and Summer 2020.
- For Fall 2020 onward, the work eligibility requirements for study permit holders have returned to normal. Therefore, students who enroll part time or take a break in studies in an academic term (Fall and Spring for undergraduate students; all terms for graduate students) are not eligible to work on or off campus in Canada. Part-time enrollment or a term off in a required term may also impact your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. See our Enrollment Requirements website for more information.
To pursue an SFU Co-op work term or SFU-approved internship, you will require a valid co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.
- In response to COVID-19, IRCC has announced a temporary measure allowing students who are in Canada and have applied for a co-op work permit to begin their co-op or internship work placement using the on- or off-campus work authorization provided by their study permit, provided they meet the eligibility requirements to work on and/or off campus. Visit the IRCC website for details.
Updated October 11, 2022 — Return to top
📍 IRCC is temporarily lifting the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours eligible post-secondary students are allowed to work off-campus during academic terms. From November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, eligible international students will be permitted to work off campus for more than 20 hours per week. Read the full announcement here.
Do you have questions about eligibility requirements to work?
If you have questions concerning the eligibility requirements to work in Canada as an international student please contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.
Most courses in Spring 2023 will be offered in person with some classes being remote. Please assess your own academic considerations such as limited availability for remote classes, time zone differences and/or your own adaptability to remote learning environment.
As of August 25, 2022, IRCC has announced that distance learning measures have been extended to August 31, 2023.
The following measures will be applicable for students whose programs start from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023:
- No more than 50% of the credits earned can be completed outside Canada to remain eligible for a PGWP.
- Studies completed online from outside Canada starting on September 1, 2023, will be deducted from the length of a future PGWP.
Read the full IRCC announcement here.
Updated December 14, 2022 — Return to top
IRCC's Client Support Centre has resumed regular hours of operation, although call volumes are high and technical difficulties may occur, which could make reaching an agent more challenging than usual. You may still access pre-recorded information and check application status using the automated phone services via the Client Support Centre.
Tips when contacting the IRCC Client Support Centre by phone
- Navigate through the automated system by pressing 3-4-1-0 to speak to an agent
- Agents are available 8am-4pm local time. Calling early in the morning may help to reduce wait times
- You may need to make several consecutive attempts in order to be placed in the queue to speak with an agent -- if the lines are very busy you might not be placed in the queue on your first try
- Once you are in the queue, be prepared to wait on hold for some time
- Take detailed notes of the conversation, including the name and agent number of the person you speak with and the advice you receive, for your records
Updated September 16, 2020 — Return to top
Contact IRCC for case-specific enquiries
You may also continue to contact IRCC using their online web form for case-specific enquiries.
You must have a valid study permit or work permit to apply for a SIN. For more information about how to apply for a SIN, please visit the Service Canada website. You can also refer to the SIN handout on our Instruction Guides page for guidance.
Please note that you may continue to work with an expired SIN while holding maintained status (e.g. you applied to extend your study permit or work permit prior to its expiry date and you are waiting for a decision from IRCC on your application).
Updated April 9, 2021 — Return to top
If you are outside Canada and need to apply for a co-op work permit, please contact an International Student Advisor to discuss your options. Depending on your individual circumstances and plans, you might need to wait until you have returned and apply from within Canada, or apply for a new study permit and co-op work permit from outside Canada, or there may be other options to consider. An International Student Advisor can help you make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Updated September 25, 2020 — Return to top
In general, we strongly advise against applying for a work permit at the port of entry via flagpoling. If you would like to further discuss your options on how to apply for a work permit, please contact an International Student Advisor.
Updated April 19 2021 — Return to top