Canada Border Open? Is Canada Border Open For International Business Yet?
Traveling to Canada was once fuss-free and all that is required is always your study permit and all other vital documents to find yourself pursuing your dream career as international students. However, it all changes as the COVID 19 steps in crippling the whole world and driving countries nuts for solutions. This means international students abroad or those who have plans for September fall intake have been left high and dry.
Government plans on reopening borders The Canadian government still shut its borders on non-Canadian citizens for non-essential travels to curb avoid increased to the number of cases due to immigration. The order which was due to expire on July 31 has been extended to August 31st with no exemptions. Which means international students might still not be able to enter the country. However, it has been reported that the Laurie LeBlanc, deputy minister of Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities wrote in a letter that the government has been looking into allowing international students entry to Canada for studies September academic year.
Visa, passport and travel documents services are on hold 
The pandemic has complicated things for most international students. Some of the Canadian immigration services have stopped issuing visas while travel bans remain in effect.
This means students who have already been accepted into any Canadian colleges or universities will have to remain in their home country till entry is permitted. Students can however still apply for a visa only that it might take months for it to be granted due to the outbreak. However, depending on where you live and whether it is a low risk or high-risk country, the visa might be faster for some than others.
Canadian universities have opened to accommodate international students As September approaches, many post-secondary institutions are already prepared for fall September. Universities and colleges have shifted to online teaching and virtual classrooms in order to contain the spread of the virus. While courses and lab work that seems difficult to be carried out online are reserved for face to face teaching.
However, commuting to Canadian universities is still a difficult one While universities might have had everything put in place to welcome students, commuting to school seems pretty complicating during this pandemic. •
With social distancing, restrictions on movement, commuting to school has raised concerns about health and safety. However, whether it is returning students or new intake, all international students are expected to observe a 14 day period of quarantine upon entry to Canada. Commuting to colleges or universities might also be difficult as there are still restrictions at the Canadian border.