After arriving in Canada
Latest updates
As of February 15, 2021, all travellers to Canada must take a COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours before your flight’s scheduled departure timeor arrival at the land border.
As of February 22, 2021, air travellers will need to have reserved a 3-night stay at a government approved hotel in advance of travelling and all travellers will need to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as complete a COVID-19 test kit during quarantine.
Furthermore, the government announced further measures to support international students. Studies completed outside Canada may be eligible to count towards the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) up to December 31, 2021. See the International Student FAQ for details.
Travelling to Canada: step by step
Step 1: Check if you’re eligible
Step 3: Prepare your quarantine (self-isolation) plan
Step 5: After you arrive
When you arrive in Canada, there are steps you need to take before starting your studies.
Follow your quarantine (self-isolation) plan
When you first arrive, check-in within 48 hours through the ArriveCAN online form or call 1 833 641 0343 and complete a daily self-assessment of your symptoms during your 14 day quarantine.
If your contact information or quarantine location has changed, email your updated information to phac.quarantine.covid19.quarantaine.aspc@canada.ca.
Follow the quarantine (self-isolation plans) you made before travelling to Canada and the following quarantine (self-isolation) guidelines:
Find helpful information and resources on taking care of your physical and mental health during self-isolation on UBC’s self-isolation page.
Consider getting involved virtually, such as joining an SUO Club.
IF YOU TRAVEL BY AIR ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 22, 2021
You will stay in your pre-booked government approved hotel while you wait for your COVID-19 test results. Learn about what to expect.
If you test negative, you will proceed to your place of quarantine and may leave sooner than the 3 nights if your test results are available earlier.
If you test positive, you will be directed to another facility and will be given instructions. It can be unsettling to be taken to an undisclosed location, but you can be confident these government-mandated facilities are safe.
COMPLETE YOUR COVID-19 TEST KIT
As of February 22, 2021, you will be given a COVID-19 test kit on arrival in Canada to complete on day 10 of your quarantine. Complete the COVID-19 test following the instructions you were provided.
You will need to continue to quarantine until you get a negative test result. If you test positive, you will need to start the 14 day quarantine cycle again.
See Day-10 COVID-19 testing for details.
After-arrival checklist
AFTER ARRIVING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA:
- Apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Check that you have iMED and have told DCIS that you are arriving
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Add your document expiry dates to UBC’s Reminder System
- After self-quarantine, get a BCID to avoid carrying your passport for identification.
If you need emergency financial support
If you’re facing financial hardship or have questions around your finances during the COVID-19 outbreak, speak to an International Student Advisor.
resources
International Student Guide
Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC’s Okanagan campus.
International student FAQ
Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on immigration and health insurance for international students.
This information is accurate as of March 24, 2021 , and is subject to change. Follow the latest updates on travel restrictions due to COVID-19. See also CBSA’s updates on travel for non-Canadians.
