How is COVID-19 Affecting International Students in Canada?

Universities in Canada are now more pictured as barren lecture halls! This is how COVID-19 has affected the whole international students, including ones in Canada. The students now have shifted to online classes despite the challenges they may face via the virtual courses.

For international students, there are bigger problems to take care of than this. What happens to study visas? Will exams be cancelled? How about graduation? Should I go home?

Here is a guide for international students with primary concerns and some sorted solutions for them.

Table of Contents

Look for the Symptoms!

If you develop any symptoms, it is primary for everyone to take the test for the virus. The symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, or difficulty in breathing. If you have any of them, first, you need to isolate yourself for 14 days and observe social distancing as much as possible.

Travelling from Canada

If not necessary, it is better to stay where you are in this situation. This is something the government of Canada is requesting its public. If you are a student, you should look into the details of the effects you may have if you travel out of Canada.

You should make sure your home country allows you to travel, whether you will be able to land in Canada again after the trip. And if you travel, understand if it will affect your eligibility for the postgraduate work permit.

Housing in Canada During this Pandemic

Many universities in Canada are allowing international students to stay in the dorms until they find their place.

Many hotels are now converting into student housing like CIBT Education Group Inc. If any student lives off-campus, then they should know that the eviction of tenants is harder for the landlords now.

If you live off-campus, take note that several provinces have now made it harder for landlords to evict tenants during this crisis.

Travelling to Canada

Non-citizens and people with no permanent residence are not allowed to cross the borders of Canada after March 18th.

Furthermore, the ban has been removed for international workers and students from March 26th. But to enter, you need to prove with authorized documents once you enter, you must isolate yourself for fourteen days.

Grading of the Student’s Performances

For the international students, Canadian universities Are allowing students to choose either for a final grade or standard pass on their transcripts.

Some universities are passing all the students, whereas some are practising the standard grading system. International students need to get in touch with the student office to get the exact solutions for their problem.

Work Permit for Postgraduates

The international students doing postgraduates are doing online courses. The government has also confirmed that it will not affect their eligibility for a post-graduation work permit.

All the international students need to keep themselves updated with the situation on the website of the government of Canada. Also, they should be in touch with the foreign affairs office in their respective universities.