The International Student Services Office (ISSO) appreciates that the global COVID-19 pandemic poses unique challenges for our international student community and want to take the opportunity to update you on key travel, immigration and quarantine planning resources and supports that are available to you.
Important International Student Travel Updates
- As of October 20, 2020, Carleton University’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan has been approved, and we are prepared to welcome and support our international students. Students are reminded that they should only plan to travel when it is safe to do. Please note that only those who are exempt from the current travel restrictions may be able to enter Canada, contingent on approval from officers at the Port of Entry. Visit the Government of Canada website for approved designated learning institution information.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced revised travel restrictions for eligible international students. These include, but are not limited to, the student’s Designated Learning Institute (DLI) having an approved readiness plan, having a valid study permit or have been approved for a study permit, having a detailed quarantine plan. Please note that this recent update does not impact study permit holders currently in Canada, however students who plan to travel outside of Canada will be subject to these rules and regulations upon re-entry. Travel exemptions and restrictions for international students.
Planning for your Future Arrival in Canada
- The Winter 2021 term at Carleton will be delivered online. If you desire to come to Ottawa to complete your studies, please note the following.
- Currently all international arrivals are required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period immediately upon arrival to Canada. Carleton has a comprehensive website to assist students with their quarantine planning.
- The Department of Housing and Residence Life will have some spaces available in Residence (for on and off-campus international students and their co-arriving family members travelling to Ottawa) to assist with the mandatory quarantine requirement. All students arriving from outside of Canada must complete the Pre-Arrival Planning and Support Form. Please note that only students and their co-arriving family members who have booked airfare should be completing this form to inquire about space in residence and/or discuss their quarantine plan in further detail.
- Students and their co-arriving family members must be able to demonstrate health coverage – such as being enrolled in the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) – as an essential part of their quarantine plan. For students who may have opted-out of UHIP for the Fall term and plan to travel, they must notify the ISSO as soon as they have confirmed their travel plans . Any questions regarding enrollment status in UHIP should be directed to isso@carleton.ca
- Please note that failure to comply with the Government of Canada’s protocols may lead to students being denied entry into the country. Fines or other penalties can also be imposed for non-compliance.
All international students are encouraged to keep up-to-date on changes and developments via the ISSO’s COVID FAQs. Additionally, the ISSO will be hosting an online Q&A session to provide updates and answer questions about travel, quarantine, health insurance and immigration issues.
Please do not hesitate to contact the ISSO via email at isso@carleton.ca with any questions or concerns you may have, and know that we are here to continue supporting you during these challenging times.