However, recently IRCC introduced an additional policy change. This change has put a cloud of doubt on the possibility of coming back from individual students into the country. Students, Canadian educators, and parents are waiting for further clarity on this new policy. But, the new processes are still not in place and would take some time before actually, things shape up.
The country allowed only students with valid permits to enter. Otherwise, they had to seal the borders of the country for other international travellers. Some other directives for students followed their initial announcement. This included conditions like flexibility regarding their studies, eligibility for postgraduate permits, and a methodology for conditional study permit approvals.
However, recently IRCC introduced an additional policy change. This change has put a cloud of doubt on the possibility of coming back from individual students into the country. Students, Canadian educators, and parents are waiting for further clarity on this new policy. But, the new processes are still not in place and would take some time before actually, things shape up.
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Non- Discretionary Travel
The first point that is causing uncertainty is a July update given by IRCC. As per them, only those students should travel to Canada whose travel qualifies as “Non-optional and Non-discretionary.” The part that makes this condition difficult is that the Canada Border Services Agency is responsible for seeing that parties obey the pact.
The agency or the air carrier is to decide if the travel falls into the above category. When the traveller is to board the flight, the air carrier must check whether he fulfils all the mandatory guidelines. However, upon reaching it is the CBSA, which is the one pulling strings.
As soon as the information was released, many media reports suggested that students cannot board flights. Or it is also possible that they are stopped at the borders itself, creating further confusion.
In response, IRCC clarified its stance. It mentioned that if the student’s University or college is conducting online classes, his visit falls into that category. In such a situation, that student may not be allowed to enter the country.
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The Border officers will see the details of arrival and basis the below conditions fulfilment allow entry to the student:
- The student is established and residing in Canada. That means his visit is non-discretionary, and he will be able to enter.
- Whenever their quarantine period is over, they can begin their studies.
- The program they are part of requires them to be a part of laboratory visits or any workshops.
- The University is not conducting online classes. Or maybe the same cannot be conducted from their country.
- The semester was cancelled, and they would be studying later in the year.
Though the Border securities officer would take a call based on these points, there is still some concern. First of all, there is still no clarity about how the officers will analyse the points and decide. Apart from that, it is also unclear how the authorities will take care of every guideline set. It could be possible that there are misunderstandings on their part. That may make or break a student’s future completely.
Institutions and stakeholders are looking for answers to such questions. They are turning towards CBSA for doubts clarity. Similarly, students who were planning to travel to Canada this year are in a dilemma.
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Provisions for New Students
In June and July, the Government of Canada consulted the provincial and state governments to set up new entry protocols. However, in July, the process got stuck due to a lack of clear communication from the authorities.
No clear instructions were issued to the institutions as well, thus adding up to the confusion. Due to this, earlier consultation between the state governments and the institutes fell flat. They issued a Federal Order in Council on 30th July, reflecting the absence of any progress. It talked about restrictions on international travellers, but no directives for student entry in the country.
However, again IRCC has started the work on the same. Minister of Immigration Marco Mendicino and Minister of Health Patty Hajdu is communicating with state governments about how to proceed with allowing students to come. The collaboration with provinces and states is underway.
Public Health Agency of Canada is making these discussions more specific. They include all aspects of concern in that manner. It sets out requirements for students’ arrival, 14-day Quarantine, monitoring after the period is over, and student support.
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According to the latest consultation, they will make decisions about students’ approvals at the entry time. There would be a sign off required on Institutional protocols from the local health authority, state government, and federal government too.
On the other hand, Canadian educators have made significant contributions to policy development in this area. They are making detailed protocols for students coming for K 12 schools and language learning programs.
This nuanced approval process reflects that Canada would be able to develop an acceptable protocol in this regard. It is also possible that they follow the Australian way and impose regional guidelines when it comes to allowing students back.
Whatever decision they take, it is quite evident that nothing will happen soon. The authorities would like to take some time before they can execute something conclusive. Until that happens the students, and institutions will have to wait.
The clarifications and settling of operational matters is a far-fetched process and will keep the students on tenterhooks. However, we are sure that the government would take the appropriate decision that suits all the parties.
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