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On November 19, 2021, the Government of Canada announced upcoming changes to Canada’s COVID-19 travel measures, including: expansion of list of approved vaccines for travel, new entry restrictions for unvaccinated travellers, and the elimination of PCR testing for short trips abroad. Further, on November 26, 2021 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the extension of online study eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit, that should assist students in planning for the Winter 2022 term.
Expansion of List of Approved Vaccines for Travel
Beginning November 30, 2021, the Government of Canada is expanding their list of accepted vaccines. The following COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) will also be accepted by the Government of Canada for travel:
- Bharat Biotech (Covaxin, BBV152 A, B, C)
- Sinopharm (Beijing) BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cells)
- Sinovac (CoronaVac, PiCoVacc)
To qualify for testing and quarantine exemptions, travellers must have received the full series of a Government of Canada approved vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Proof of full vaccination is required to be uploaded into the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival. Documentation of the full vaccine series must be provided in English or French (or a certified translation into English or French). A person who submits false information on vaccination status could be subject to fines or other penalties.
Please note that all travellers, independent of vaccine status, must still comply with pre-arrival testing requirements and create a quarantine plan. Students must be prepared to quarantine in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet all of the conditions required to be exempt.
Vaccine Requirements for Carleton University
Under the guidance from Ontario’s Ministry of Health, individuals who have received a complete one or two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine that is not authorized for use by Health Canada, including the vaccines authorized by the WHO, will be considered fully vaccinated to come to the Carleton University campus if:
- they receive one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine; or
- three doses of non-Health Canada approved vaccine
Individuals are only considered fully vaccinated 14 days after they receive their last dose. All students are encouraged to submit their vaccination attestation in cuScreen as soon as possible.
New Entry Restrictions for Unvaccinated Travellers
Starting January 15, 2022, international students who are 18 years or older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with a Government of Canada approved vaccine. Unvaccinated students under the age of 18 will be able to travel to Canada and must continue to adhere to the current travel and quarantine requirements.
Between November 30, 2021 and January 14, 2022, international students who are not considered fully vaccinated can continue to enter Canada, but will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. If international students are taking a connecting flight to their final destination, they must ensure that is scheduled to depart within 24 hours of the departure time of their flight to enter Canada. Students will need to present their pre-entry COVID-19 test results to board.
Final determination on entry to Canada, including the approval under the fully vaccinated exemption, will be made at the Port of Entry by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Preparing for the Winter 2022 Term
Extension of Online Study Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permits
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced an extension to the amount of time students can study online from outside of Canada while maintaining their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility. IRCC has advised that eligible students are able to continue to study online until August 31st 2022 and can complete up to 100% of their degree online, and still maintain their PGWP eligibility.
Students can contact the ISSO’s immigration advising team by email at immigration.advising@carleton.ca with their questions and for additional guidance and support or attend our virtual information session: All About Post-Graduation Work Permits.
Registration for the winter 2022 term remains available until January 24, 2022. Course delivery types for winter have been confirmed and students are encouraged to contact their department or the Registrar’s Office (registrar@carleton.ca) for assistance with their course schedule.
We strongly recommend all students with plans to travel keep in touch with the International Student Services Office (ISSO) for additional guidance and support. Please visit our Quarantine Planning and Support Website, attend a Travel and Quarantine Q&A Session and/or contact us at isso@carleton.ca