Travel Restrictions and International Students

Updated June 10, 2020

IRCC has confirmed, all “international students who hold a valid study permit, or had been approved for a study permit, when the travel restrictions took effect on March 18, 2020, are exempt from the current travel restrictions to Canada."

While students may be considered exempt from the travel restrictions, students need to show that your entry to Canada is for an essential/non-discretionary purpose.

For travel back to Canada, MRU students should: 

• Review the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) website for any relevant travel updates
• Email the IRCC to get written confirmation that you are exempt from the travel restrictions
• Contact CBSA and airline to confirm exemption from the travel restrictions prior to booking your flight
• Have supporting documents that prove your travel to Canada is “essential/non-discretionary”. This may include: IRCC confirmation of exemption when possible, verification of enrollment for fall/winter, copy of your MRU residence lease agreement or off-campus housing/lease agreement, any other document which may support that technical and internet difficulties in your home country are affecting your study progress remotely.
• Have a detailed quarantine plan in writing,  accompanied by relevant supporting documents. This may include confirmation of 14-day booking in Residence to self-quarantine or letters from family members confirming arrangements to have you quarantine for 14 days.  

Canada’s Travel Restriction Measure:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/service-delivery/coronavirus/travel-restrictions.html

Alberta’s provincial requirements for self-isolation:

https://www.alberta.ca/isolation.aspx

Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Test Information

https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-testing-in-alberta.aspx

Government of Alberta’s Isolation Questionnaire for Returning Travelers

https://formsmgmt.gov.ab.ca/Public/OCMO12443.xdp

COVID-19 Disruptions:

Please note, as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, international students may face a variety of other disruptions.  This may include:

• Visa application centre closures
• Service disruptions at Canadian visa offices
• Travel plan disruptions
• Limited access to local government offices and businesses
• Limited access to a panel physician who can do the immigration medical exam

Current Students: 

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made several policy and procedure updates related to COVID-19. Please review these updates as they pertain to your situation. The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) has also released a collection of helpful information related to IRCC's updates. Should you have any questions about your individual situation, please email immigration@mtroyal.ca

New Students:

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that international students are able to begin their studies from their home countries either with or without a study permit, with different regulations. Please review the IRCC source material provided below for your specific situation. Should you have any questions about your individual situation, please email immigration@mtroyal.ca

1) If you have a study permit, or have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in the fall, but you are unable to travel to Canada, you may begin your MRU studies online from your home country. The time spent studying outside Canada (to a maximum of 50% of your program, if you are unable to travel to Canada sooner) will count for eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. You are still required to actively pursue your studies. (Source)

2) If you do not have a study permit, or have applied but have not yet been approved for a study permit, you are able to begin your studies online from your home country. The time spent completing your courses online without a study permit will not count towards eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. (Source)

Please contact: Immigration@mtroyal.ca to connect with an MRU International Advisor to discuss concerns.

Mount Royal University’s COVID-19 International Student Safe Arrival Protocol

The current travel restrictions and quarantine requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic have required students to quarantine (self-isolate) on arrival to Canada. This procedure outlines the regulations of the Canadian government for students returning to Canada, and Mount Royal University’s procedures to ensure a safe return.

Mount Royal University’s priority is the health and safety of our students, staff, and wider community. We will continue to follow the regulations and recommendations of the Canadian government, and both provincial and local health authorities.

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency orders under the Quarantine Act. It applies to all travelers arriving in Canada. Its purpose is to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canada. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act. Any international student with COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to board their flight to Canada. If symptoms occur upon arrival, a health assessment will be performed by a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Officer and the individual may not be allowed to enter Canada, or if necessary, the individual may be transported to a hospital for a medical examination. Among other requirements to be granted entry to Canada, an international student will be required to demonstrate to a Border Services Officer, or PHAC Officer, that they have a suitable plan for quarantine in place; otherwise, they may be refused entry. Any international student who is found to be in violation of the mandatory 14-day quarantine period may be penalized under Canadian law.

As of July 28, 2020, all international students planning on returning to Canada, must complete the following, before their arrival in Canada, as per https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html:

1. A thorough Quarantine (Self-Isolation) Plan to satisfy current Canadian government travel restrictions concerning COVID-19, which require travelers arriving in Canada to quarantine for 14 days and have proof of a place of residence, a method of obtaining food, and explain how they will access essential services without leaving the stated residence;
2. Ensure you have health insurance coverage.
3. All travelers must download and complete the Canadian government’s ArriveCAN application for approval prior to their arrival on a paper form, web based form or using an electronic App (available for iPhone and Android).

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novelcoronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html#ua

4. Students are responsible for following the requirements of federal quarantine, and other COVID-19 guidelines and advice as issued by the Government of Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirusinfection/latest-travel-health-advice.html)
5. Students are responsible to read and understand the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice webpage https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

Failure to satisfy these outlined requirements is a breach of the regulations and recommendations of various Canadian governmental authorities and subjects the student to additional penalties prescribed by the Canada federal government and other Canadian provincial and local Health Authorities (including but not limited to the penalties proscribed by the Quarantine Act, which include up to 6 months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines). https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2020/03/new-order-makes-self-isolation-mandatory-for-individuals-entering-canada.html

Mount Royal University will notify Alberta Advanced Education in writing of any compliance issues by emailing ae.campusalberta@gov.ab.ca.

Mount Royal University will notify Alberta Advanced Education in writing of any changes to this plan or if your institution decides to withdraw from this list by emailing ae.campusalberta@gov.ab.ca

Students Accommodation Options Upon Arrival in Canada

Option 1:  Mount Royal University Residence

Quarantine Plan for International Students Staying in Residence:  MRU is currently holding sixteen units for self-isolation purposes. The following plan is for incoming international students who are required to self-isolate.

• Housing: If the international student has already been assigned to a single occupancy/self-contained unit for their housing, they will be able to self-isolate in their assigned unit.

• If the international student has been assigned to a multiple occupancy unit, they will be assigned to a designated self-isolation unit for the 14-day period and then required to move to their assigned unit.
  • Cost: $26.45 per night ($370.30 for 14 days)

• Residence Assistants and Residence Life Coordinators perform physically distanced check-ins at least twice per week with students quarantining in Residence. If students are symptomatic during quarantine, these check-ins are performed by telephone or videoconferencing.

• Food: All units contain full kitchens, so groceries will be provided for the 14 day period. Some items will be placed in the unit before arrival. Students will then be asked to provide a list of required items. These items will be left outside the unit and the student will be notified. Costs will be determined and posted to the student's account.

• Housekeeping: No housekeeping will be provided during their self-isolation. All self-isolation units will be prepared with basic bedding, linen, bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies, kitchen kit and self-care kit.

• Laundry: Students are not allowed to use common laundry rooms while they are in self isolation.  If students would like to do laundry, they can leave their laundry in a garbage bag outside of their unit. Our housekeeping team will do their laundry and return it outside of their unit. Charges may be applied for this service.

• Residence Information: Students will be provided with a welcome letter outlining the services provided in Residence, as well as contact information for questions and concerns. Students will be contacted by the Residence Life team on a regular basis.

• If You're Feeling Sick: If you're feeling COVID-19 symptoms (dry cough, fever, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat) or believe to have been in contact with someone with symptoms (after quarantine period), please contact the Residence Services front desk, the RA on call number or Security Services. These contacts will be given to students upon arrival.

• In the event of an emergency, you can call 911. Please don't go to any health care facility, including campus Wellness Services, without calling Residence or Security first.

• International students’ compliance with quarantine requirements is monitored by a combination of protocols established for Residence Services, Security, and International Education staff and management.

• Getting Tested: International students do not need an Alberta Health Care card in order to get tested. The AHS online booking site outlines all of the information needed but we also suggest calling 811 for other questions/concerns. Please make sure you have an ID ready when you get tested.

• Transportation from YYC Airport to MRU Residence
  • Calgary United Cabs (Calgary Cabs) (403-777-1111) - Will transport international arrivals if passengers wear a mask and will take people to testing locations if they wear a mask and gloves
  • Associated Cabs (403-299-1111) - No special rules in place for international arrivals and will take people to testing locations if they wear a mask and gloves
  • Checker Cabs (403-299-9999) - Will pick up international arrivals if there are a maximum of 2 passengers and both sit in the back of the car. Checker Cabs will not drive to testing locations
  • UBER - It is suggested that passengers always ride in the back and that they cover their face if they cough or sneeze

• Transportation to Testing Sites: Please note the above transportation availability to testing sites (Calgary United Cabs, Associated Cabs, UBER)

Option 2:  Off-campus Quarantine

• Students must have a plan for the 14-day quarantine.
• Students will be required to inform their landlord of their quarantine and must abide by requirements to arrange contactless move-in.
• Students will not be permitted to leave their residence for 14 consecutive days, even to obtain groceries.
• Students planning on living with family, friends or roommates should speak with them prior to their arrival in order to obtain their consent and establish a self-isolation plan.
• Students will be required to isolate from housemates in their room and wear a mask and practice safe social distancing when in shared spaces.
• The Border Services Officer will ask the student to outline how the student will ensure appropriate accommodations for quarantine.
• Approved Quarantine hotels near the Calgary International Airport or Mount Royal University: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y- OnIQXoJHO26vh_55NPBQDn5ErPiDvnkFNjetmjYHg/edit?usp=sharing
• If at any point a student develops COVID-19 symptoms, they must follow the instructions from the Alberta Ministry of Health and Alberta Health Please see: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx.
• Students and co-arriving family members must clean and disinfect the amenity before and after they use it, if it will be used by others within the 14-day quarantine period.
• If a quarantine residence is shared, students must have separate rooms and separate, dedicated spaces in kitchens and bathrooms for their belongings.
• If quarantining off campus, students should avoid staying with people over 65 and avoid exposure to vulnerable individuals.
• For students completing the 14-day quarantine off campus, contact information must be provided prior to departure and staff in International Education perform check-ins with all students by telephone or video conferencing at least twice per week.
• International students’ compliance with quarantine requirements is monitored by a combination of protocols established for Residence Services, Security, and International Education staff and management.

Packing

In addition to regular packing requirements, students should also bring:

• Disposable and cloth face masks
• One bottle of hand sanitizer
• Books and other supplies to occupy your time in quarantine

Please also make sure you have the following available in your carry-on luggage:

• At least two masks
• A travel-sized bottle of hand-sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes
• Valid Passport
• Valid Study permit or permit confirmation document (if you have one)
• Letter of Acceptance from Mount Royal University
• Quarantine plan and supporting documents
• Health coverage proof (including Students’ Association of Mount Royal University Health and Dental Plan)
• Housing address
• Mount Royal University International contact: international@mtroyal.ca
• Change of clothing
• Some food or snacks (as restaurants may be closed in airports)
• Re-fillable water bottle

Travel Plan

While en-route to their destination, students are expected to:

• Wear a mask
• Practice Social Distancing
• Wash hands frequently
• Use hand sanitizer when necessary
• Sanitize personal space and high-touch areas such as seat belts and tray
• tables
• Minimize trips to the washroom
• Touch as few surfaces as possible
• Keep cell phone charged

Student Arrival Plan

Upon arrival in Canada students should proceed through the airport while maintaining physical distance. You will not be permitted to stay in the Arrivals area. Students must have their documents ready to present to Canada Border Services. Students will also be required to undergo a screening by a border services or quarantine officer who assess travelers for symptoms.

Before coming into YYC’s facilities, visitors must complete YYC’s health screening questionnaire. Once you have completed the questionnaire, you will be provided next step instructions based on your answers: You will be asked to fill out the following COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire: https://www.yyc.com/en-us/healthscreeningquestionnaire.aspx

In the event that the Border Agent does not deem your travel essential, you will not be permitted to remain in Canada. You will have a ticket booked on the next available return flight (*which may be several days in advance and will be required to book a room in an Airport hotel and isolate until your return flight.

Please contact the Office of International Education if you require additional information – Contact: international@mtroyal.ca

Upon arrival at the Final-destination Airport

• Wear a fresh mask
• Pick up baggage while maintaining physical distancing
• Proceed to taxi or UBER stand at the Calgary International Airport. See map: https://www.yyc.com/navigatingyyc/maps.aspx
• Load your own luggage into the car and sit as far away from the driver as possible

Quarantine (Self-Isolation) Plan

As part of the Quarantine Act, travelers to Canada are required to self-isolate for 14 days https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html

This means that students will have to stay in their own room for 14 days and avoid contact with (keep a 2-metre distance from) others. After arriving in Canada, Government of Canada officials will call the student to monitor compliance with the mandatory quarantine.  You will be called from 1-888-336-7735 to verify your compliance during your 14-day quarantine.

IMPORTANT: When contacting you during quarantine to ensure compliance, the Canadian Government will never ask you for financial information.

Before continuing below, please read the Public Health Agency of Canada’s directions on Quarantine here.

Mandatory Quarantine

The Government of Canada has put in place emergency measures to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada. You MUST quarantine for 14 days, provide contact information and monitor yourself for symptoms subject to the Minimizing the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Canada Order (Mandatory Isolation) No. 4.

Your compliance with this Order is subject to verification and enforcement. Those in violation may face transfer to a quarantine facility as well as fines and/or imprisonment.

Ensure you have a suitable place of quarantine that has the necessities of life.

Go directly to your place of quarantine without delay and stay there for 14 days from the date you arrived in Canada.

You must wear a suitable mask or face covering while in transit. Practice physical distancing at all times. Avoid contact with others while in transit:

Some provinces and territories have additional travel restrictions (For example, no non-essential travel into the province, limited access to certain regions within the province, etc.).

Please refer to the list of provincial and territorial websites for more information.

Note that you may also be contacted by provincial/territorial authorities throughout your 14-day quarantine. If federal and provincial/territorial guidelines differ, you should follow the most precautionary and stringent requirements.

You must monitor your health for 14 days

• If you start experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, shortness of breath, a fever equal to or greater than 38°C, or signs of fever e.g. shivering, flushed skin, or excessive sweating), isolate yourself from others.
• Contact your local public health authority and follow their instructions.

The 14-day period starts again if, during your quarantine period, you develop any signs and symptoms of COVID-19, including those noted above, or if you are exposed to another person subject to this Order who exhibits signs and symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.

Please refer to the Symptoms of COVID-19 for additional symptoms common to COVID-19 or information on risk factors for increased exposure and severe outcomes from COVID-19.

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 go directly to your place of quarantine, and avoid making any stops while in transit. Check-in within 48 hours of arrival through the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343. Report your symptoms through the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343 every day until the end of your 14-day quarantine.

Student Quarantine Expectations

Only one student & their co-arriving family members may be in a shared space at a time (i.e. there cannot be other individuals in the space at the same time), both for on- and off-campus quarantine.

• Students/their co-arriving family members must clean and disinfect the amenity before and after they use it, if it will be used by others within the 14 day quarantine period.

• If a quarantine residence is shared, students must have separate rooms and separate, dedicated spaces in kitchens and bathrooms for their belongings.

• If quarantining off campus, they should avoid staying with people over 65 and avoid exposure to other vulnerable individuals

During quarantine, you may NOT

• Leave your place of quarantine unless it is to seek medical assistance.
• Have any guests even if you are outside and stay 2m apart from them.

During quarantine, you may

• Use shared spaces, or private outdoor spaces in your place of quarantine provided you:
  • Avoid contact with others who did not travel with you;
  • Disinfect spaces after use;
  • Wear a suitable non-medical mask or face covering if a distance of 2m from others residing in your place of quarantine cannot be maintained
• Please update your symptoms daily on the ArriveCan app.
• If living with others, stay in your room as much as possible and away from others.
• Practice good hygiene: wash your hands frequently with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use a separate towel, kept away from others; cover your mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing, or use a tissue. Avoid coughing into either your hands or into the air. Dispose of used tissues right away into a trash bin and immediately wash your hands.
• Use a separate bathroom if possible. Clean the bathroom regularly with household cleaning products. Flush the toilet with the lid down.
• Stay connected – text, email, FaceTime with your friends and family.
• Monitor your physical and mental well-being – if you are not feeling well with symptoms that resemble COVID-19, complete an online self-assessment to determine if you need further assessment or testing. https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-testing-in-alberta.aspx
• If you cannot use the online self-assessment tool, call 811 Health Link https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/healthinfo/link/index.html
• Package up your garbage – empty garbage frequently and wash your hands immediately.
• Keep personal items (toothbrush, cups, cell phone, tablets, laptops, etc.) separate from those belonging to others.
• Eat in your room.
• Avoid prolonged periods of inactivity. Mount Royal University will provide a resource package and opportunities to be active while in quarantine.

While these instructions and protocols may seem overwhelming, they are here to remind you to be careful of your contact with others during the 14-day quarantine.

Students are reminded that quarantine (self-isolation) is a requirement of the Quarantine Act and is not optional.

Mount Royal University is here to help!

Student Compliance Monitoring

International students’ compliance with quarantine requirements is monitored by a combination of protocols established for Residence Services, Security, and International Education staff and management. 

Residence Assistants and Residence Life Coordinators perform physically distanced check-ins at least twice per week with students quarantining in Residence.  If students are symptomatic during quarantine, these check-ins are performed by telephone or video conferencing. 

For students completing the 14-day quarantine off campus, contact information must be provided prior to departure and staff in International Education perform check-ins with all students by telephone or video conferencing at least twice per week. Compliance issues will be reported to AHS (reporting tool) and Alberta Advanced Education (AE.campusAlberta@gov.ab.ca)

Please see the detailed COVID-19 (NOVEL CORONAVIRUS) INFORMATION FOR MOUNT ROYAL UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Learn more about the quarantine plan for Mount Royal University students staying in Residence.

Students will be required to isolate from housemates in their room and wear a mask and practice safe social distancing when in shared spaces.