After arriving in Canada
Latest updates
The suspension of direct flights from India has been extended to August 21, 2021. See the alert on suspension of flights for more information. Mental health supports are available through UBC student wellness and the BC government.
As of July 5, 2021, fully fully vaccinated travellers who have received vaccines approved by Canada at least 14 days prior to the day you enter Canada are exempt from the 3-night government hotel stay, the 14-day quarantine, and day-8 COVID-19 test, if meeting eligibility requirements.
Starting August 9, 2021 at 12:01am EDT, all travellers coming to Canada by air will no longer require a 3-night stay in a government approved hotel, but those who are not fully vaccinated must still quarantine for 14 days. If you are required to quarantine upon entry into Canada to begin or continue your studies, you may be eligible for financial assistance from UBC — details will be shared at a later date. Furthermore, the government plans to allow fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the US to enter Canada for non-essential travel, such as parents from the US travelling to accompany or visit you.
Starting September 7, 2021, provided Canada’s COVID-19 epidemiology remains favorable, the government intends to open Canada’s borders to all fully-vaccinated travellers for non-essential travel.
See the backgrounder and news release for more details and for information on additional upcoming changes. The Travelling to Canada Guide will be updated shortly.
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
You will stay in your pre-booked government approved hotel while you wait for your COVID-19 test results, unless exempt. 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 8 of your quarantine unless exempt.. 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.
Starting July 5, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers are exempt from this test.
See Day-8 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 health insurance
- 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.
Be sure to follow BC public health guidelines and learn how to get vaccinated.
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.
Learning about life in Canada
- iPREP immigration and health insurance course for undergraduate students and graduate students
- New to UBC resources for first years
- UBC 101
- Getting to know Canada
- Health insurance for international students
- Working in Canada
- Guide to banking in Canada
- Driving in BC
- Resources for if you have children
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 July 13, 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.
