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.

Newly admitted International students are encouraged to apply for their study permits as early as possible after receiving their offer of admission from Carleton.  The required “Letter of Acceptance” for the application is provided by Carleton Admissions ​through the Carleton 360 account and is titled “Student Information for a Study Permit”.

Continuing Carleton students who won’t return to Canada prior to expiry of their current study permit must also apply for a new study permit, since extension of temporary resident status (renewing the study permit) is not possible from outside of Canada. In place of a “Letter of Acceptance”, returning students should provide a current Certificate of Enrolment and Statement of Student Progress (contact the ISSO). 

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website contains essential information and guidance for study permit applicants.

All applications must be submitted online. The ISSO’s Study Permit Application Guide has tips and answers to frequently asked questions.

Students are welcome to contact the ISSO’s Immigration Advising Team for additional assistance.

Complete study permit applications received by IRCC on or before May 15^th 2021 should receive a decision by August 6^th 2021. Applications submitted after this date will be processed as quickly as possible but without a guaranteed timeline.  Please see additional details in the ISSO’s news post on this topic.

You should apply for your study permit or work permit in a timely manner, 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 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 be allowed to work without a work permit until you get the decision from IRCC. See details 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.

Carleton’s courses for Fall 2021 will be offered in online, in-person and blended formats. Course listings in Carleton Central will include mode of delivery in “Section Information” to assist students in making their selections. A study permit is not required to begin studies online from outside of Canada.

Carleton students who are registered in a current school term may be eligible to travel to Canada at any time after IRCC approves their study permit application. Carleton has a Government-approved COVID-19 readiness plan, which allows students to qualify for an exemption from Canada’s COVID-19 travel restrictions. To be eligible for the exemption, you must have proof of being registered as a student at Carleton. It is not necessary to have proof that you are attending in-person classes.

Students should refer to Government of Canada travel and entry requirements to confirm their eligibility prior to attempting to travel to Canada.

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 studying online from outside of Canada.

IRCC’s latest information (February 2021) extends special provisions until December 31, 2021.

According to the most recent revisions, students who have a study permit, or approval for a study permit, or who have applied for a study permit before the start of their program (and later receive approval) may be eligible for a PGWP and the validity period of their PGWP won’t be affected, even if they do up to 100% of their program online from outside of Canada.

Students should ensure that they understand all requirements to be eligible for a PGWP.

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.

If you apply for the PGWP while your study permit is valid, you can remain in Canada and you may be able to start working right away while you are waiting for a decision on your application, even if your study permit expires during that time. Before you start working full-time, please refer to the ISSO’s PGWP Guide for information about authorized work during the transition from student to work permit holder.

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 “maintained status” (formerly “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 Maintained 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. After they apply IRCC will inform them that their status is maintained.

Due to the impact of COVID-19  some IRCC processing times have become longer. Even students who applied early for their extensions may be on maintained status. Maintained 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 maintained 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 Maintained 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 on maintained 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.

IRCC announced a temporary rule change on April 22^nd 2020.  International students who are usually restricted to 20 hours of work per week were authorized to work full-time if they were 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.

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.

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:

• ” If I choose all online courses so I can start the term on time, will I be allowed to travel to Canada part-way through the term after my application is approved?”
• “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.

The Carleton Bookstore is here to help Carleton University students obtain the textbooks and other materials they need to succeed in courses at Carleton. Students can order their textbooks now from the Bookstore website to have them delivered anywhere around the world.

The Carleton Bookstore recommends the following when placing an order to ensure there are no delays during shipping:

• Order as early as possible in order to give the shipment time to arrive before classes start.
• Students should use their mailing address, not their home address (if they are different) when placing an order. If there is uncertainty on how to write your address for an international delivery, please contact your local post office or delivery service.
• Use a current phone number and email (i.e. don’t use an Ottawa phone number if you’re not in Ottawa) when placing an order.
• Once an order is placed through the website, the Carleton Bookstore will be in touch by email with a shipping quote. Once that quote is approved, the payment will be processed and the shipment will be sent.
• Some countries charge an import fee for textbooks. It will be your responsibility to pay these import fees if needed.

If you have any questions about placing an order, please contact The Bookstore by email at thebookstore@carleton.ca or by phone at 613-520-3832.

Carleton University’s COVID-19 Readiness Plan has been approved, and we are prepared to welcome and support our international students. Students planning to travel should first check the latest travel information at IRCC’s COVID-19 page for students and confirm that Carleton has an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

Carleton University has established a comprehensive Quarantine Planning and Support website to assist students with their quarantine planning. We encourage you to review this resource carefully as it contains important information about the quarantine planning process and some helpful resources. 

Please keep in mind that COVID-19 travel restrictions 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 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.

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

In late December 2020, the Government of Canada announced a new pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for international air travellers, which takes effect on January 7, 2021.

Travellers must complete a COVID-19 molecular polymerase chain reaction (or PCR) test within 72 hours of the scheduled departure of their flight to Canada, and provide the airline with proof of a negative test result. Rapid COVID test results are not accepted.

This new requirement does not replace the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement or any other requirement to qualify for a travel exemption as a student. Please consult with the ISSO’s Quarantine Planning and Support website for additional information and resources to help prepare for your travel to Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s website outlines what may be considered non-discretionary travel for immediate family members of students:

• Immediate family members of a student may be able to come to Canada to live with them for the duration of their studies. Travel requirements for family members may depend on whether they are coming with the student or joining them later; whether they are coming as a visitor, student or worker; and where they are coming from.
• One (only) parent or custodian may accompany a minor child, or any student who requires their care during travel or settling in Canada. The need for this support must be documented with a doctor’s note, for example.

Please note that accompanying family members will be subject to the mandatory COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements that apply to all travellers arriving in Canada (among other requirements). It is the responsibility of the student and their family members to ensure that they meet all the entry requirements to Canada. They should also note that due to COVID-19 these rules and measures are subject to change without notice.

Students coming from some countries or territories may need to take an immigration medical exam, even if they had one in the past. The results of a medical exam are valid for one year after the date you took the test.

Students planning travel to Canada for the first time should confirm the validity of their visa in their IRCC account.  If more than 12 months have passed since their medical exam, they may see that their visa is invalid for travel. They may expect to receive an email from IRCC explaining that this is an administrative hold and what steps they must take to reactivate the visa.

Proof that you took the exam is your eMedical receipt. This document has a barcode, your photo, your personal details, and the date of your exam. The CBSA may request to see this document at the Port of Entry as you enter Canada.

• If you have valid medical results (less than one year old as of the day you will travel to Canada), carry your eMedical receipt as one of your travel documents.
• If you have been outside of Canada for less than six months, you should not need valid medical exam results, unless you are starting a new job in one of the areas described on the IRCC website.
• If you have been outside of Canada for more than six months and you do not have valid medical exam results, you may need to take a new immigration medical exam. Read IRCC’s information about who needs a medical exam.
• Immigration medical exams must be done by a Panel Physician. When making an appointment, you should request an “Upfront Medical Exam”.

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 are no longer eligible for a travel exemption as a student 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 as a student 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.

If you are planning to travel outside of Canada it is important that you understand and follow the entrance requirements for your destination (and for re-entry to Canada) to avoid travel delays. For example, due to COVID-19 many countries continue to put in place strict entry requirements (such as mandatory COVID testing and quarantine). Ensuring that you are up-to-date on these expectations prior to travel is essential.

To assist with international outbound travel to countries requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to entry, LifeLabs and Shoppers Drug Mart are offering eligible travellers the option to book rapid COVID-19 testing at select locations in the General Toronto Area (GTA). There are currently no testing locations in Ottawa.

The “FlyClear” program by LifeLabs offers COVID-19 PCR testing (a rapid COVID-19 test for international outbound travel) and Antibody (serology) testing to anyone needing these for their travel. COVID-19 rapid testing through this program offers results within 24 to 48 hours at certain Toronto locations. To learn more, including cost, and to book an appointment consult the FlyClear website.

Travelling with Air Canada? Beginning December 7, 2020, eligible travellers flying with Air Canada can book and purchase a COVID-19 RT-PRC (a rapid COVID-19 test for international outbound travel) at participating Shoppers Drug Mart locations. The test is available for travellers flying to destinations requiring a negative COVID-19 test within 24 to 48 hours prior to travel. For more information, including cost and how to book an appointment, visit the Shoppers Drug Mart website.

Students in Ottawa who wish to travel abroad and require a negative COVID-19 test may consider traveling to Toronto prior to their scheduled flight to complete rapid testing. Prior to making travel plans, it is important to:

• Check the pandemic travel health notices and understand the entry requirements for your destination country
• Confirm you are eligible for a rapid COVID-19 test via FlyClear or Shoppers Drug Mart websites, if required by your travel destination
• Ensure that your immigration and travel documents are valid and will not expire during your travels
• Budget for the additional costs that may be associated with your travel (including travel to Toronto, the cost of a rapid COVID-19 test, and accommodation in Toronto while awaiting results etc.)
• Plan your travel to Toronto and book your rapid COVID-19 test to allow for adequate time to receive results before your flight. Need accommodations for your time in Toronto? Contact the ISSO at isso@carleton.ca to learn about hotel options.

Yes, international students can receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Canada.

International students currently in Ottawa should contact Ottawa Public Health by calling 613-580-6744 to book an appointment. Once booked, you will be instructed on what pieces of identification (IDs) you will need to bring to the appointment. For students with the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP), Sunlife is advising that you bring your UHIP card, 3 pieces of ID and proof of your address in Canada).

International students who have been fully vaccinated may qualify for certain quarantine and testing exemptions starting July 5. Please review the Government of Canada’s website for more information.

Students planning their travel to Canada must notify the International Student Services Office (ISSO of their travel plans and can consult the Quarantine Planning Support website for further information.

No. At this time you do not need to be vaccinated to enter Canada, however this is subject to change. You must stay informed of travel requirements as indicated on the Government of Canada’s website.

Students planning their travel to Canada must notify the International Student Service Office (ISSO) of their travel plans and can consult the Quarantine Planning Support website for further information.

Yes. However, you must follow entry restrictions, testing and the 14-day quarantine (including the 3-night hotel stopover) requirements. Further information is available on the Government of Canada’s website. Please note that Health Canada has approved four vaccines for use in Canada: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).

Students planning their travel to Canada must notify the International Student Services Office (ISSO) of their travel plans and can consult the Quarantine Planning Support website for further information.

Currently yes, but requirements are subject to change and we encourage you to regularly check the Government of Canada’s website.  You must follow all entry restrictions, testing and the 14-day quarantine (including the 3-night hotel stopover) requirements.  We are waiting on guidance from Health Canada and Public Health Ontario regarding vaccination status based on vaccines not currently approved by Health Canada.

Students planning their travel to Canada must notify the International Student Services Office (ISSO) of their travel plans and can consult the Quarantine Planning Support website for further information.

We are not able to advise on this at this time. We are waiting on guidance from Health Canada and Public Health Ontario regarding vaccination status based on vaccines not currently approved by Health Canada.

Students planning their travel to Canada must notify the International Student Services Office (ISSO) of their travel plans and can consult the Quarantine Planning Support website for further information.

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.  Do not visit a hospital for testing.   You can conduct your own Covid self assessment test  and take any next steps if required. If you do not have your UHIP card, please email isso@carleton.ca with your student number. Please note, UHIP does not cover cost of COVID testing for travel purposes. More information regarding UHIP coverage can be found on the UHIP website.

At this time, there is no information from the Ontario Ministry of Health, for vaccines being administered to international students/staff who have UHIP.    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/

Students feeling unwell with cold, flu and/or COVID-19 like symptoms should consider the following:

• Monitor symptom severity and connect with a health care professional for persistent and worsening symptoms.
• Contact Health and Counselling Services at (613) 520-6674 to make a virtual appointment with a member of their medical team (Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm).
• For suspected symptoms of or possible exposure to COVID-19, students should complete a Self-Assessment and/or contact Ottawa Public Health. Students advised to get tested for COVID-19 should follow public health guidelines and visit a Testing Centre.
• Students needing support outside of Health and Counselling Services’ regular business hours for a non-life-threatening medical issue that requires immediate attention, can consider attending a walk-in clinic to see a doctor without making an appointment. It is recommended that international students visit one of the Preferred Provider Network clinics to avoid extra fees not covered by the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). It is not mandatory to use a ‘preferred provider’; however, it is convenient as there is no immediate out-of-pocket expense to students with a valid UHIP card.
• Students are reminded to only seek medical attention from emergency services (i.e. by attending a hospital emergency room) if you believe you have a serious medical condition or acute injury. In Canada, waiting times to see doctors in the hospital are based on the severity of the medical condition, and emergency rooms are usually very busy and waiting times can be very long.

As vaccinations continue to roll out across Canada, Carleton is planning for a safe and gradual return to campus in fall 2021.  Plans include in-person courses and activities on campus with online options to allow for maximum flexibility for students.

Our Fall 20201 programming, events, and webinars are currently intended to be delivered mostly online to ensure accessibility for all international students.  The ISSO aims to provide social, cultural and transition-related initiatives in partnership with other offices access campus 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 programs, contests, and events.

To limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community, public health officials are encouraging the practice of physical distancing. Carleton has been able to provide 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. If you are looking for individualized support in navigating campus life and making connections, we encourage you to meet with our Global PALS.

To explore campus life beyond the ISSO, we encourage you to follow @SLRavens on social media to learn more about activities and contests from the Student Life Team. To find out about virtual social activities being provided by student groups and departments, such as trivia nights, fitness classes, and other engaging programs, the CUX Events Calendar is updated on an on-going basis with social activities being hosted by Carleton campus partners and associations.

Whether you are staying in Ottawa or located abroad, Carleton University is here to support students experiencing feelings of fear, loneliness, worry and distress.  Carleton University has complied mental health and well-being resources you can access, depending on your location:

• Ottawa-based supports
• Supports in each Canadian province
• Supports for students living abroad

Many campus supports are available to students, regardless of location.  We are here to help, so please do not hesitate to reach out.

In light of the challenges and uncertainties posed by COVID-19, Carleton University has made the difficult decision to not proceed with in-person student mobility for the Fall 2021 term. This decision to not proceed with in-person student exchange for the fall is independent of any future decision regarding the delivery of courses at Carleton University for the Fall 2021 term.

Students are encouraged to contact the Exchange Team at exchange@carleton.ca to discuss their options and plan their next steps.

A decision will be made early in the fall regarding the ability to allow in-person student exchange for the Winter 2022 term.  Accordingly, we strongly recommend that you avoid incurring any major expenditures (accommodation, airfare, etc.) until a decision regarding Winter 2021 exchange is made.

Any questions can be directed to exchange@carleton.ca

After you have been accepted to the Exchange Program, the Carleton University Exchange Team will nominate you to a partner institution. Once you have been nominated, you will be required to complete an application to that institution. Students beginning their exchange students in the Winter term will typically receive application instructions in the late summer or fall before their exchange term. After completing the application you will receive a Letter of Acceptance that you will use to apply for the study visa. Please review “After you Apply” steps at https://carleton.ca/isso/outgoing-exchange-after-you-apply/

In the meantime, you can meet with your program advisor to decide on which courses you will be taking while on exchange. A good resource is the Course Equivalencies Database – this is not a complete or current list of all available courses at the host university, but you can use it as a guide to determine what type of courses have been completed there previously. We also strongly recommend that you check the host university’s website to know what their 2021-2022 course offerings are.

Students interested in pursuing an exchange opportunity in the 2022/2023 academic year will be expected to re-apply and will be re-assessed to ensure continued eligibility to participate in the program. Further details will be made available in the Fall 2021 term, including the launch of the new application. Please watch for updates on the ISSO website or email  exchange@carleton.ca for more details.

In keeping with the February 2nd announcement that the Summer 2021 term at Carleton will be held mostly online, the university has decided that there will be no in-person outbound mobility during the summer months.

Students with questions can email exchange@carleton.ca for additional guidance.

In light of the challenges and uncertainties posed by COVID-19, Carleton University has made the difficult decision to cancel in-person student mobility with the Incoming Exchange Program for the Fall 2021 term (September to December 2021). This decision to not proceed with in-person student exchange for the Fall is independent of any future decision regarding the delivery of courses at Carleton University for the Fall 2021 term.

Carleton University is prepared to offer students the opportunity to participate in our exchange program virtually (i.e. taking courses remotely online) for the Fall 2021 term where possible. Per our usual process, students must be nominated for exchange by their home institution and complete an application. We will provide students with further instructions following the successful review of their nomination. We look forward to sharing more about this virtual experience in the coming months.

For more information, please visit the ISSO Incoming Exchange website or email the Exchange Coordinator.

A decision will be made early in the fall term regarding the international student exchange program for Winter 2022.

For more information, please visit the ISSO Incoming Exchange website or email the Exchange Coordinator.

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. The ISSO is unable to 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.