Special measures for international students: Canada has provided more detail on the new two-step application process enabling international students to begin studying at a Canadian institution from abroad before receiving final approval on their study permit. For full details refer to our new page for COVID-19 & international student updates.
Canada-U.S. border closure extended to August 21st: The Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least August 21 (Source: Order in Council). There is no guarantee the border will open as of that date; negotiations are ongoing between the two countries.
Canada international travel ban in place until at least July 31st: Canada has extended the emergency order banning the entry of most foreign nationals until at least July 31st (Source: Order in Council). The extension of the emergency order continues the same restrictions and exemptions as have been in place for the last several months. Please note, this ban covers all countries except the United States which has a separate travel ban in place until at least August 21.
The vast majority of foreign nationals are barred from entering Canada at this time, but there are a number of exemptions to the travel ban. The following groups can cross the border into Canada whether by air or by land:
Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents;
Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who are traveling to Canada for non-discretionary reasons;
Temporary workers who hold a valid work permit or who are approved for a work permit but have not yet been issued the work permit (please note that flagpoling is not permitted at this time, refer below for more details);
IEC participants who have not yet activated their work permits must have a valid job offer in order to enter, this job offer does not need to be in an essential sector (Source: IRCC);
IEC participants who have already activated their work permits and were outside the country temporarily do not require a valid job offer in order to re-enter (Source: IRCC; note that anecdotal reports suggest airline staff may still request to see proof of a connection to Canada like employment, housing, or family, when boarding);
International students who hold a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020, and who are entering for a non-discretionary purpose;
Permanent resident applicants who had been approved for permanent residence before 12 pm EDT on March 18, 2020, but who had not yet traveled to Canada
There are a handful of other exceptional exemptions listed here (Sources: IRCC, Governor in Council – U.S., Order in Council – International).
A source at CBSA has confirmed some people who are eligible for exemptions to travel restrictions are being denied boarding on flights or turned away at the border, especially if they cannot provide a plan for self-isolation upon arrival or provide evidence that their travel to Canada is necessary at this time. Please note that if you choose to travel to Canada at this time, there is a risk that your entry may be denied.
Mandatory Quarantine: As of March 26, anyone entering Canada will be forced to enter a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Canada’s Health Minister has announced that this quarantine will be enforced and that those breaking quarantine may be subject to fines and jail time. Certain exemptions will be made for essential workers. (Source: CBC)
Isolation Plan: If you are planning to enter Canada, you should prepare an isolation plan, detailing how to intend to quarantine for 14 days upon the arrival. If you do not have an isolation plan in place you may be denied entry, or made to isolate at a government-designated hotel for the isolation period. You also must wear a mask during your travel from the Port of Entry to your isolation location.
Updates for International Experience Canada (IEC): Government guidelines about how COVID-19 is impacting IEC, including the Working Holiday program, have been updated throughout May. We’ve updated our Working Holiday Newshub with the latest.
Asylum seekers: Canada is considering a new immigration program that would allow asylum seekers working in critical healthcare roles during COVID-19 to apply for permanent resident status. Full details here. On Friday, March 20, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that asylum seekers who irregularly cross the U.S. border into Canada will be returned to the United States.
