Consider joining us virtually from your home country until the border re-opens or you can choose to defer your studies. When the border does re-open, be sure to review your pre-departure guide and checklist.

According to IRCC's new travel update, as of October 20, 2020, international students may be authorized to travel to Canada if the designated learning institution (DLI) they are attending is listed on IRCC's website with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. Please review the Government of Canada’s Travel Restrictions, Exemptions and Advice for more information.

The Province of Nova Scotia is undergoing the proper process to qualify Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Nova Scotia that have submitted a COVID-19 readiness plan. Acadia University is expected to be on the updated DLI list by November 3, 2020. For more information when Acadia University will be on the updated DLI list, please review IRCC's Designated learning institutions reopening to international students.

IRCC made temporary policy changes which allow students to begin the 2020 fall semester online and abroad, without it affecting their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP); and neither will time be deducted from the length of their PGWP. You must, however, have a valid study permit, study permit approval or applied for a study permit prior to September 15, 2020 if you want the time you spend studying online to count towards your PGWP. The remaining 50% of your program must be completed in Canada (online or in-person) to be eligible to apply for the PGWP.

Learn more about your study permit options and Covid-19 PGWP Eligibility.

As of right now, you do not need a study permit to study online. However, we strongly recommend that students apply for a study permit before beginning your online studies as there are some risks associated with beginning your studies without a study permit.

Please note:

• Choosing to join us virtually does not guarantee your ability to obtain a study permit. If you choose to move forward with your studies without a study permit in place, you are responsible for affiliated tuition fees.  Please review Acadia’s financial policies prior to making your decision.
• Students are required to have a valid study permit and temporary visitor visa before you can begin your in-person studies in Canada. Without it, you will not be able to join in-person classes at Acadia.
• For applicants currently outside Canada who are scheduled to begin studying in the spring, summer, or fall 2020 semester but who do not have either a study permit or approval on their study permit application prior to the beginning of their program of study, time spent pursuing their studies online will not count toward their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit.

If you are willing to accept and acknowledge these risks, you are welcome to participate in online courses at Acadia.

You are required to apply online by creating an account with the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Visit the IRCC website to learn more  and to start your study permit application.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to accept applications, but applications are being processed at slower rates.  Processing times posted on the IRCC website are based on the normal processing times for an application, and it does not take into account any delays caused by COVID-19. Currently, there are no options to expedite processing of study permit applications. However, IRCC recently announced new measures to prioritize processing of study permit applications.

As of right now, international students who have not received a study permit or letter of introduction on or before January, 2020, will not be allowed to enter Canada. For more information regarding entry into Canada, please see the IRCC website.

According to IRCC's new travel update, as of October 20, 2020, international students may be authorized to travel to Canada if the designated learning institution (DLI) they are attending is listed on IRCC's website with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan. Please review the Government of Canada’s Travel Restrictions, Exemptions and Advice for more information.

The Province of Nova Scotia is undergoing the proper process to qualify Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Nova Scotia that have submitted a COVID-19 readiness plan. Acadia University is expected to be on the updated DLI list by November 3, 2020. For more information when Acadia University will be on the updated DLI list, please review IRCC's Designated learning institutions reopening to international students.

When Visa Application Centres (VAC’s) re-open, you must make a new appointment and carry your original BIL with you at your designated Visa Application Centre to show proof of payment. You do not need to request a new BIL. Since most VAC’s are presently closed, your application will remain open for 90 days or until you are able to provide the required biometrics- you do not need to request an extension. According to IRCC, no application will be refused or closed if you are not able to give your biometrics on the date indicated on your BIL.

For more information, please visit the Government of Canada's biometric information page and procedures page.

If you decide to defer your program to next term, you should start your study permit and temporary resident visa applications as soon as possible due to delays in processing. Please visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for more information.

Choosing to join us virtually does not guarantee your ability to obtain a study permit. If you choose to move forward with your studies without a study permit in place, you are responsible for affiliated tuition fees.  Please review Acadia’s financial policies prior to making your decision.

Please review IRCC’s Designated Learning Institutions with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

According to IRCC, the two-stage process expired September 15, 2020.

If you cannot provide all the documents required for your study permit application, you must provide a letter of explanation stating why you can’t submit all the required documents. You must also provide a letter of acceptance from the DLI when you apply. For more information regarding this, please visit  letter of explanation for any documents that are missing.

As stated by IRCC, International Student Entering Canada must have:

• a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit.
• You must be attend a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness planapproved by its province or territory.
• Proof of enough money to support yourself and any family members travelling with you to Canada

Please review IRCC’s requirements for international students to enter Canada.

According to IRCC, immediate family members may be able to travel with you to Canada. They do not need a written authorization from IRCC to travel with you, but they must prove their reason for travel is non-discretionary/non-optional. All family members must quarantine. Health requirements for travelers to Canada must:

• Follow all public health measures for travellers 
• Have a plan to quarantine for 14 days 

Please review IRCC’s requirements for visitors to Canada.