Canada's long-awaited admission of students during quarantine
Is it realistic to get into language courses in Canada during a pandemic?
Last fall, ILAC's top language school began accepting international students at its Toronto and Vancouver campuses. In November, the decision was made to move students to online learning due to a rise in coronavirus cases. Canada, for its part, is still in no hurry to open its borders.
Is it possible to start studies directly in Canada with closed borders? What actions do students need to take before starting classes?
Immigrant.Today, as a language school agent, attended a partnership forum attended by representatives from ILAC and the Canadian Tourism College, Red Deer College and Georgian College. Important issues regarding international student admissions were raised at the conference.
The good news is that Vancouver Language School has resumed on-campus instruction!
If you are planning to study English directly at a language school in Canada, this article will give you an idea of what to do next.
What will it take?
As of January 7, all students must submit a negative PCR test result for COVID-19 before boarding a flight to Canada.
When you arrive in Canada, you must have documents on hand to prove your education, residency and self-exclusion plan:
- passport and visa
- copy of travel insurance with a description of insurance coverage
- ILAC Letter of Acceptance (ILAC Letter of Acceptance)
- ILAC Supporting letter
- Confirmation of transfer from the airport to the quarantine site
- A plan to go through quarantine in Toronto or Vancouver
- Student Consent Form (Homestay Student Consent Form)
- safety protocol when living with a family
- ILAC residency letter (after quarantine)
- health insurance that will provide coverage during quarantine
The student will also need: a valid bank card for expenses, a SIM card with a Canadian or international number, a thermometer, a 3-week supply of masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.
Where do you quarantine?
The student is responsible to the Government of Canada for complying with the 14-day quarantine. Failure to comply with the self-imposed quarantine will result in a penalty of 6 months imprisonment or a fine of $750,000 CAD.
Quarantine can take place in the same place where the student plans to reside during the period of study at the language school.
Toronto
- family accommodation — minimum 4 weeks
- dormitory: Parkside Student Residence, Dream House Residences and Dream House Apartments, Casa Toronto
- hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Toronto
Vancouver
- family accommodation — minimum 4 weeks
- dormitory: GEC Granville, YWCA
- hotel: Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Center
Students will be quarantined for 14 days without the right to go outside. A private room with sanitary facilities will be available and food will be delivered directly to the door.
You will also have to face some inconveniences. Clothes in which the student will arrive at the airport in Canada should be put into a plastic bag and not taken out until the end of quarantine. You need to provide clothing for 14 days, as you will only be able to wash your clothes after you come out of self-isolation.
Be prepared for the Government of Canada to call to check if you are complying with quarantine rules.
In Toronto, students must be re-tested on the 14th day of quarantine and provide a negative test result for COVID-19. Students are responsible for the costs associated with coronavirus testing.
Don't forget during quarantine
- Within 48 hours of arriving in Canada, download the ArriveCAN app and register. Throughout your quarantine, report your symptoms daily through the app or by calling +1-833-641-0343.
- If you arrive in British Columbia, you additionally need to fill out a self-isolation plan at site.
- The language school will mail the student a health screening questionnaire (Memotext) — the student must register 24 hours before arrival in Canada on the Health Screening App. During quarantine, you must complete the questionnaire every day.
It is important to add that enrolling in a language school does not guarantee that you will be able to get a visa to Canada. Much will depend on the country where you plan to get your visa and the epidemiological situation in the world.
You can start with online classes at ILAC language school. And after the restrictions are lifted and the borders are opened, you can continue your studies in Canada.
