New Canada travel restrictions: What international students should know

New Canada border restrictions starting Jan. 15, 2022 will allow more international students to begin their studies in Canada.

Canada has recently announced adjustments to Canada border restrictions for certain exempt travellers —  international students are included in this group. From Nov. 30, 2021, Canada will expand the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated.

Among the already approved vaccines like Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson and Johnson. Canada is adding vaccines — like Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN — to the existing list. Students need to be fully vaccinated before they are allowed to cross the border.

Newly sworn in Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos. Source: Lars Hagberg / AFP

“Health and safety will always remain at the forefront of any decision our government makes in the fight against COVID-19,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health of Canada. “The upcoming changes to Canada’s border testing and entry requirements reflect the next stage in our government’s approach as we align with the improving vaccination rates both here in Canada and around the world. The situation at our borders remains closely monitored, with officials and experts continuing their work to evaluate the measures in place and recommend necessary adjustments as required.”

This means from Jan. 15, 2022, only international students who have been fully vaccinated by the approved vaccines will be allowed to enter the country. If they do not have these approved vaccines then, they can only enter Canada if they show they meet an exemption. If students neither have an approved vaccine nor an exemption, Canada border restrictions will prohibit students from entering Canada.

Students should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements, understanding Canada border restrictions before making your travel. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.