Message on behalf of Paul Davidson

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has updated their guidance for entry of international students to Canada in advance of their studies. These changes are in direct response to our collective advocacy to provide increased flexibility for students planning their travel to Canada and to reduce pressure on both federal agencies and institutions’ COVID-19 readiness plans (“DLI plans”).

Effective November 3rd, 2021, CBSA will no longer restrict international student arrivals to four weeks before their studies begin. CBSA will take a more facilitative approach to international students entering Canada, and any reasonable length of time prior to study will be considered. Students will still be required to demonstrate that their travel is non-discretionary. This change in guidance will apply to all international student arrivals regardless of their vaccination status. To be able to enter Canada, international students must also continue to meet all requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, including having a valid study permit and a valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).