International students will be exempt from Canada’s travel ban as long as they have a valid study permit or had been approved for a study permit prior to March 18, when the travel restrictions took effect.
This is a major concession from Canada international student community which is big enough – it also makes concessions to the temporary foreign worker program. Full details of the exemption are expected to be detailed early next week, according to the communique IRCC.
Foreign students are now anticipated to travel to Canada as planned for the spring term (May) registration, according to the Canada-based Gautham Kolluri, who runs the company’s global educational counseling CIP Study Abroad and has many clients of Indian students.
But he said that the students will need the help of those registered with the college to help them navigate the logistics of pick-up at the airport to organizing accommodation, especially for a 14-day isolation period early.
“I’m looking into the house furnished and hotel bookings,” he told The PIE News, explained that it has been an exception in terms of organizing temporary housing for students as they arrive. “Most students have no business here,” he said.
“It’s very difficult logistical coordination that we have now,” he said. “If the government has suggested that students should stay itself isolated for 14 days … for new students … we do not have an understanding of how to do it. I hope that the institutions can come up with some support. “
When asked if some students will decide not to enroll, Kolluri said he felt the people who have made a financial investment will decide to make the trip anyway, even though it became clear now how they will access the studies they have paid for.
Canada sees more restrictions coming as coronavirus cases soar
“I do not see the students actually say, sorry, we’re not interested, we will be back, especially from India – The second largest market for international students,” said Kolluri.
“They’ll come in. I talked to thousands of students each month through our social networks. This is a very big commitment for students and their parent’s financial commitment and also given their interest in studying abroad – especially considering that this will lead to post-study employment opportunities and pathways, permanent residents. This is a very important decision for students. “
Lane Clark, President, and CEO of the Canadian College of English (CCEL) and Canadian College told PIE that he and his staff “relieved” by the government’s decision even though the operation has moved online.
“We are happy to hear that, when it is safe to reopen, students will be able to arrive and attend classes,” he said.
“I’ve never seen these things have an impact on this industry and really wish we will all come out intact on the other end. There are many local issues over the years, but this is a full stop, the magnitude of which has the power to shift our entire industry. “
Exceptions also include all foreign temporary workers, with particular mention made of seasonal agricultural workers, they work on fish/seafood and caregivers.
Workers in the low-wage flow of temporary foreign worker programs will also be able to work for two years, not just one.
“Our government will continue to take the necessary measures to protect the health and safety of Canada, including putting in place restrictions on social distancing, isolation, and travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” commented Marco Mendicino EL, minister of immigration, refugee and citizenship.
“Today’s announcement will ensure both a strong response to tackle the spread of the virus and that our farmers, fishermen and other manufacturers have the workers they need, when they need it, to strengthen the Canadian food security and provide other essential services.”
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