After arriving in Canada
Latest updates
The suspension of direct flights from India has been extended to September 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 vaccinated travellers who have received the full series of 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 all eligibility requirements.
Starting August 9, 2021, all travellers coming to Canada by air 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. Furthermore, fully vaccinated US citizens and permanent residents currently residing in the US can 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 changes.
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 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.
If the officer has determined that you are fully vaccinated and confirmed you do not need to quarantine, you may get daily notifications from the ArriveCAN app about quarantine and Day-8 testing however you can ignore these notifications.
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.
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.
Getting support during your self-isolation period
If you have plans to self-isolate off-campus, our Off-Campus Self-Isolation Ambassadors are are available to help. They can answer questions directly related to your self-isolation or more general questions about other aspects of your UBC experience.
To request support from our ambassadors, please complete the following form:
Request off-campus isolation support
You can also email int.programs.ok@ubc.ca if you have any specific questions about your off-campus self-isolation process.
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.
- Learn how to get vaccinated or register your vaccine if you’ve been vaccinated outside of BC
Be sure to follow BC public health guidelines and see COVID-19 and UBC’s response for updates
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.
If you are required to quarantine upon entry to Canada to begin or continue your studies, you may be eligible for the UBC Quarantine Bursary.
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 August 18, 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.
