COVID-19 FAQ

We encourage all international students to continue to keep up to date on Canadian immigration processes and procedures – especially in light of the frequent updates due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IRCC Resources:

Travel restrictions and exemptions; COVID-19 considerations for study permit processing, student work and Post-Graduation Work Permits:

• Study Permit COVID-19 Program Delivery Instructions  
• How COVID-19 is affecting IRCC: International Students 

The ISSO also provides the following resources:

1. Contact an Immigration Advisor for additional guidance and support at: immigration.advising@carleton.ca
2. Attend our Immigration Webinars and Q&As
3. Sign-up for our newsletter.

You should apply for your study permit or work permit on time, even if you don’t have a new passport. Include your old passport and proof that you have applied for a new passport or else a letter of explanation about why you cannot apply for a new passport right now. The letter of explanation can go on the line for “Client Information”. You can add your new passport to your application later using the IRCC Web Form.

You should maintain a valid study permit while you are studying in Canada. You should also continue to comply with study permit conditions.

You must apply for a new study permit before the expiry date on your current permit. Get started by consulting the ISSO’s detailed Study Permit Renewal Guide. Contact the ISSO to ask questions not answered by the guide or to request support.

University documents needed for the application continue to be available through Carleton Central and email.

You don’t need a study permit to take courses offered remotely if you are not in Canada.

You will need a valid study permit (or approval letter) and Temporary Resident Visa (or ETA) to return to Canada.

You can apply online, indicating that your country of residence is your home country. You should provide a Certificate of Enrolment and transcript to show that you are a continuing Carleton student.  Please contact the ISSO if you have questions or need support.

IRCC’s processing times information page confirms that they cannot provide accurate processing times.

If you submitted a study permit renewal application before the expiry date on your old permit, you may continue to study and work as usual, even if your current permit expires while you are waiting. Your Social Insurance Number remains valid.

If you submitted a co-op work permit application, you may not begin a full-time co-op job without having a co-op work permit.

If you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and you submitted your application while you had a valid study permit, then you may work without a work permit until you get the decision from IRCC. Learn more in the ISSO’s PGWP Application Guide.

Update: As of July 15, 2020, IRCC has announced an exemption to the requirement to give biometrics for temporary resident applications made within Canada. This includes study permits, work permits, visitor records and temporary resident visas. IRCC can now finalize your application without your biometrics and you will automatically receive a refund of the $85 fee.

The Winter 2020 term ends for you once you have completed all your assignments and exams. Until then, the 20 hours maximum per week rule for off-campus work still applies.

For the Summer 2020 term:

• If the summer is a school break for you, you can work full-time, even if you are taking classes.
• If the summer is not a break, you can work a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus as long as you remain enrolled. You have no work privileges if you don’t enrol or take a Leave of Absence. Graduate students who are unsure whether the summer is a break for them should ask their department.

As always, you must confirm that you meet all the criteria for eligibility to work off-campus. Contact the ISSO if you have questions.

For the Fall 2020 term:

• Carleton’s Fall term begins on September 9, 2020. As of that date, international students must restrict all off-campus work to a maximum of 20 hours in any week. (Note that the exemption for work in essential services ends on August 31, 2020.)
• On-campus work, including work performed remotely for employers located on the Carleton campus, is not restricted in terms of hours per week.

IRCC has revised PGWP program rules several times since March 2020 to maintain eligibility for:

• Students in Canada who may do more than 50% of their studies online due to COVID-19.
• Students beginning their programs online from outside of Canada.

 IRCC’s latest information (August 26) extends special provisions until April 30, 2021.

Students must apply for a study permit before they begin their program, but don’t require approval (or first-stage approval) to begin their studies and have the time count toward their PGWP validity period. They must eventually be approved for a study permit and do 50% of their program in Canada (unless the program is 8-12 months in length and starts no later than September 2020).

Students are encouraged to keep documents that help to establish their eligibility for a PGWP, such as a study permit application Acknowledgement of Receipt notice from their online IRCC account, and passport stamps or boarding passes to establish travel history.

If you wish, you can apply for the PGWP as soon as your final marks are posted on Carleton Central. Carleton will provide the documents you need to apply for the work permit through Carleton Central and by email.

As long as you apply for the PGWP while your study permit is valid, you can remain in Canada and work while you are waiting, even if your study permit expires during that time.

IRCC, the Canadian Border Services Agency, and the ISSO all advise against applying for the PGWP at the US-Canada border, even under normal circumstances. No one should consider that option at this time.

Students who leave Canada can apply for the PGWP from their home country. If they are approved, the work permit will be issued at the Port of Entry when they return.

Learn more at the ISSO’s PGWP information page or for personal advice, email isso@carleton.ca

You have “implied status” if you applied for your new permit before the expiry date on your previous permit. This allows you to continue working legally in Canada according to the terms and conditions of your old study permit or co-op work permit.

Authorization to Work Under Implied Status

If a temporary resident in Canada applies to extend their status before their current study permit or work permit expires, they may legally remain in Canada and  continue studying and/or working under the same conditions stated on their original permit until Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes a decision on their application. This is called “implied status”.

During the COVID-19 situation, IRCC’s processing times are expected to become longer. Even students who applied early for their extensions may be on implied status. Implied status for a Carleton University student can be confirmed by these documents:

• Study permit and/or co-op work permit (even if it has recently expired)
• Acknowledgement of Receipt letter from IRCC, showing an application date no later than the expiry date on the study permit or work permit
• Current Certificate of Enrolment from Carleton University

Refer to the IRCC website for official information about implied status. This includes both a plain language explanation and references to the relevant sections of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Social Insurance Numbers on Implied Status

SINs for temporary residents begin with the number 9. Employers should check that temporary residents are authorized to work in Canada by either their study permit or a work permit. If their document has expired, the temporary resident may still be authorized to work by having implied status. This is confirmed by Service Canada’s Employer Information.

Temporary residents can update their SIN expiry dates only after they receive their new study permit or work permit.

Yes, IRCC announced a temporary rule change on April 22^nd 2020.  International students who are usually restricted to 20 hours of work per week may now work full-time if they are providing essential services such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. Jobs that qualify are found in Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak. Update: This temporary rule change is no longer in effect as of August 31, 2020.

IRCC has confirmed that work performed remotely for employers located on the Carleton campus may be considered as “on-campus work” for Carleton international students. Students should have a teleworking agreement with their employer as confirmation. For study permit holders who are eligible, on-campus work is not restricted in terms of hours per week.

Carleton students may be able to travel to Canada under Government of Canada directives revised as of October 20.  Students must have a valid study permit or approval for a study permit. They must be enrolled in the current term, or arriving shortly before the start of an upcoming term.

COVID-19 travel restrictions still apply. These are subject to change from time to time. Students must be informed and able to demonstrate that they meet all current requirements for travel to Canada, including being prepared for a 14-day quarantine period. Students who plan to travel should first:

1. Confirm that Carleton has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan
2. Check the latest travel information at IRCC’s COVID-19 page for students
3. Read the information and use the pre-arrival checklist at the ISSO’s travel and quarantine support page
4. Register for pre-arrival and quarantine support (even if students will quarantine off-campus)

Please note that Carleton’s Winter 2021 term will proceed online, even for students in Canada.

Students who wish to travel to Canada should note that, even if they fall under the guidelines provided on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website, this does not guarantee entry to Canada. A final decision will be made by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency.

International students often wish to travel after completing their studies and before beginning work in Canada. Current COVID-19 travel restrictions require all travelers to have an essential reason to enter Canada. There are different criteria for students, workers, and visitors. If you leave Canada after finishing your program, you aren’t eligible for a travel exemption and you may not be able to return until you have a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

• Once you complete your program, the travel exemptions for students don’t apply to you, even if you have a valid study permit. If you are not enrolled in the next school term, your travel to Canada is not essential.
• When you have a Post-Graduation Work Permit or approval for the work permit application, you may be able to enter Canada as a worker if you can also show that you normally live in Canada,or that you have a job offer.

Please refer to IRCC’s travel information for students and for workers.

You can ask the IRCC for authorization to travel for family reunification purposes. Requests are considered on an individual basis.

Travellers must undergo health checks before boarding a flight to Canada and upon arrival. All travellers arriving in Canada must self-isolate for a period of 14 days, even if they have no COVID-19 symptoms.

Canada has strict mandatory requirements for travellers entering Canada to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Persons entering Canada must isolate themselves for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms of COVID-19. Upon arrival, travelers must present a valid plan for where they will stay and how they will obtain necessities such as food and medication. If they don’t have a suitable place to stay, the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada will designate the place. Non-medical masks must be worn upon arrival and in transition. As of April 15, 2020 there are strict penalties for failure to comply with these orders.

We recommend that you begin your application for a study permit as soon as you receive your “visa letter” (Student Information for a Study Permit) from Carleton. You can apply using Immigration, Citizenship and Refugee Canada’s online application system.

If you are unable to obtain some required documents due to COVID-19 closures, you can apply with the documents you have available, and a letter explaining why other documents are missing. The visa office will not refuse your application because of missing documents. You can send missing forms using the IRCC web form as you receive them, or wait until an officer requests them.

Processing of your application may be delayed further if you cannot give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) due to the closure of Visa Application Centres, or are unable to undergo a medical exam due to COVID-19 concerns. Your application will remain open while you work to complete the requirements.

Complete applications will be processed first by IRCC. Incomplete applications may be processed in two stages. If applicants submit sufficient documentation to establish their eligibility for a study permit, IRCC may notify them that they are approved in principle, subject to admissibility checks. (Note that approval in principle is not a guarantee of final approval.) Update: Approval in principle does not apply to application submitted after September 15, 2020.

Students should not apply through the Student Direct Stream unless they can provide all the required documents.

Because of IRCC’s special measures and because of their reduced processing capacity, it is not currently possible to estimate when you will receive a decision on your study permit application.

All scheduled undergraduate and graduate courses for Carleton University’s Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 terms will be delivered online.

Any student who has been admitted to Carleton may enrol and study in the university’s online classes. Some students may choose to begin their program as scheduled through online study from outside of Canada. Please see “How does online study affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit?”

Some students may prefer to request deferred admission. Undergraduates can do that through the admissions deferral request form; graduate students should contact their department.

Currently, all international arrivals are required to complete a mandatory 14-day quarantine period immediately upon arrival to Canada.

Carleton University has established a new comprehensive website to assist students with their quarantine planning, here: https://carleton.ca/isso/quarantine-planning-support/

On this new website students will be able to learn more about:

• Quarantine planning guidance and resources;
• Immigration and travel considerations;
• On and off campus quarantine options for international students;
• Health coverage; and
• Supports for staying connected and healthy during the quarantine period

We strongly recommend that students review the content fully and carefully to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities as they plan ahead for the upcoming academic term. It is important to note that failure to comply with the Government of Canada’s protocols may lead to students being denied entry into the country, and/or fines or other penalties can be imposed for non-compliance.

Students with questions about quarantine should contact the ISSO at isso@carleton.ca

COVID testing will continue to be covered by Public health, but any COVID related expenses outside of the testing is covered under UHIP. Students who need to visit an assessment centre for testing should take a paper copy of their UHIP card. If you do not have your UHIP card, please email isso@carleton.ca with your student number. More information regarding UHIP coverage can be found on the UHIP website.

At this time, according to the Ontario Ministry of Health, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for COVID-19. UHIP will cover emergency fees at hospitals and hospitalization fees, if needed. Drugs dispensed during hospitalization are also covered under UHIP. For more information, please visit UHIP Enrollment Plan Details. UHIP coverage remains the same for all students covered, i.e., UHIP covers doctor’s fees in clinics and hospitals, as well as lab tests such as X-rays and blood tests.

Prescription drugs, which you get from a pharmacy, are NOT covered under UHIP. These are covered through your extended health plan, which is administered by your student union. For more information regarding your extended health plan, visit CUSA Online (undergraduate students) or GSA Carleton (graduate students).

Yes, all students and their co-arriving family members must demonstrate medical coverage as part of their quarantine plan. Students should demonstrate coverage with their valid UHIP Card. If you do not have your UHIP card, please email isso@carleton.ca with your student number.

To learn more about how to prepare for quarantine, please consult our website: https://carleton.ca/isso/quarantine-planning-support/

As Carleton courses are being offered online for the Fall 2020 term, all programming, events and webinars delivered by the ISSO will also be provided in a virtual format. The ISSO aims to offer social, cultural and transition-related initiatives throughout the semester via the Microsoft Teams platform. Students are encouraged to download the Microsoft Teams app to enhance their use of this technology. Please visit our Events page for details on upcoming online programs, contests, and events.

To limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, public health officials are encouraging the practice of social distancing. Carleton is providing student supports and resources through alternative formats.

The ISSO offers many programs aimed at supporting students in making friends and navigating their transition to Carleton. Please visit our Events page for details on upcoming online events, such as Canadian Tea Time. If you are looking for individualized support in navigating campus life and making connections, we encourage you to meet with our Global PALS.

Please follow @SLRavens on social media to learn more about activities and engagement opportunities from the ISSO, the Office of Student Affairs and the Student Experience Office. Students are also encouraged to regularly connect with friends and family on the phone, via social media, or other apps.

Whether you are staying in Ottawa or travelling back home, the ISSO has compiled mental health and well-being resources you can access if you are experiencing distress or are struggling with feelings of fear, loneliness, or worry. This list is evolving, so we encourage you to check back over time as new wellness resources become available.

In light of the challenges and uncertainties posed by COVID-19, Carleton University has made the difficult decision to not proceed with in-person mobility for Outgoing Exchange students in the Winter 2021 term and only offer virtual exchange to students in the Bachelor of Global and International Students (BGInS). 

We appreciate that this is not an outcome that our students were hoping for, however please know that their safety and security while on exchange is incredibly important to us and ensuring their best interests during this time guided our decision-making. The International Student Services Office (ISSO) has notified students and our international partners, and appreciate the support of the academic departments as students strategize on next steps for Winter 2021 and beyond.

Students can request a refund of their exchange application fee, and are encouraged to connect with the Exchange Team in the ISSO to discuss any future study abroad applications. Any questions should be directed to exchange@carleton.ca

We continue to monitor the public health and travel landscapes, and while we will be accepting applications for the 2021/2022 exchange program, a final decision on how we will proceed for Fall 2021 will not be made until June 2021.

Any questions can be directed to exchange@carleton.ca

Students interested in re-applying for exchange in the 2021/2022 academic year will be expected to submit another exchange application, and will be re-assessed to ensure continued eligibility to participate in the program. The 2021/2022 Outgoing International Exchange Application will open from October 19^th  to December 11^th  2020. We strongly recommend that you meet with your program advisor to discuss if the exchange is still feasible within your program and study plan. It is important to note that going out on exchange in the last term of the final year of your program may result in a delay of your graduation date, and students are advised to discuss this with their program advisor.

Any questions related to the exchange program and application process can be directed to exchange@carleton.ca

In light of the challenges and uncertainties posed by COVID-19, Carleton University has made the difficult decision to not proceed with the Incoming Exchange Program for the upcoming Winter 2021 term (January to April 2021) virtually or in-person.

We appreciate that this is not an outcome that students were hoping for, however please know that their safety and security while on exchange is incredibly important to us and ensuring their best interests during this time guided our decision-making.

For students interested in pursuing an exchange opportunity in the 2021/2022 academic year, we request that their home institution submit a new nomination for them when nominations open in 2021. Students will be required to complete a new application and we will provide them with instructions following the successful review of the nomination information. To learn more, please visit the ISSO Incoming Exchange website or email the Exchange Coordinator for further details.

Please note that we will continue to watch the COVID-19 situation closely over the coming months and will re-evaluate the status of the Fall 2021 term early next year. Any decision made that will impact a student’s exchange term with us will be communicated as soon as possible, with guidance on next steps.

CERB has ended.

The Canada Recovery Benefit Program opened on October 19, 2020. This benefit provides income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Applicants must have earned at least $5,000 in 2019 or in 2020, or in the 12-month period prior to the first application for the CRB, and must demonstrate loss of at least 50% of their income. There are additional eligibility criteria: please consult the online eligibility tool and FAQs. This is a new program of the Government of Canada and the ISSO cannot advise on eligibility for the CRB.

International students may be eligible to apply for this benefit. However, those who need to renew their study permits in the near future are reminded that their application must demonstrate that they have the financial means to pay for their tuition and living expenses. Reliance on a Canadian benefit at the time of application could result in a refusal. Please contact the ISSO for assistance with your study permit renewal application and/or any questions you may have about financial inadmissibility.

If you applied for a new study permit before your old one expired, you have implied status, and you can still use your SIN. This is explained in Service Canada’s Employer Information.

When your new study permit arrives, you should update the expiry date of your SIN as soon as possible.

You can apply online for a SIN.

Please note that while the Carleton campus remains open, in keeping with the recommendation of Ottawa Public Health and their social distancing directives, the International Student Services Office (ISSO) will no longer be delivering in-person support until further notice. Our team remains committed to service excellence, please email us at isso@carleton.ca for further guidance and support.