Information for international students

NEW International Students

• I am a new student starting my program online—do I need a study permit now?

  International students do not need a study permit to legally start a program from outside of Canada, however, you will need one to begin studying in Canada once you are able to travel. We strongly recommend that you begin your study permit application process as soon as you can.

  As of July 14, 2020, students starting in Fall 2020 have access to a new two-stage study permit process: The first step is to receive an approval-in-principle, then a final approval after all remaining documents are submitted. This process aims to assist students starting their program online.

  Please note: An approval-in-principle is not a guarantee that you will receive a final study permit approval or that you will be able to travel to Canada. For more information please refer to the IRCC announcement.

Immigration

• My study permit will be expiring. What should I do?

  International students must maintain a valid study permit from inside of Canada. You can apply to extend your status online through the IRCC website. 

  Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website to learn more.
• With my courses fully online, do I still need a study permit if I am inside of Canada?

  You are required to have a valid study permit throughout the duration of your program while you are in Canada. During academic sessions, you would still be required to comply with your study permit conditions.

• I am in Canada and I need to do my biometrics for my study permit application. What can I do?

  As of July 15, 2020, you are exempt from giving biometrics if you are applying from within Canada. This applies to all new applications as well as applications already in progress. 

  You do not have to pay the biometric fee when you submit your application, even if the system tells you to pay it.

  Please refer to the IRCC website for more details.
• Can I work full-time during this time?

  Effective April 22, and until Monday, August 31, international students in Canada are able to work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session if they are working in an essential service or function such as health care, the supply of food or other critical goods. Check the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if your work is considered essential services. This update can be found on the IRCC website.

  If you are not working in essential services, the number of hours and the eligibility requirements for international students to work on/off-campus has not changed during the time in-person classes are cancelled. You can work 20 hours a week off-campus during your academic semester, and you can work full-time during your scheduled breaks (e.g. winter and summer holidays, Reading Week, etc.). There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work on-campus.

  International students who have a valid study permit with the conditions you can work on/off-campus and are registered as a full-time student are eligible to work on/off-campus.

  For more information on working on/off-campus, visit the IRCC website.

• Can I work if I took a break from studies or became a part-time student because of COVID-19?

  You can continue to work even if COVID-19 has forced you to become a part-time student or take a break in studies if you are:

  • A full-time student
  • Authorized to work on- or off-campus while you study

  For more information please refer to the IRCC website.
• How does COVID-19 impact my immigration applications?

  Disruptions due to COVID-19 may impact the processing times for your immigration applications.

  For information regarding current immigration applications please visit the IRCC website and check the current processing times.

• With my courses fully online, can I still apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit once I complete my program?

  Online courses will not affect your PGWPP eligibility if your courses move to online-only format due to COVID-19.

  If you are outside of Canada and you have a study permit, or been approved or applied for a study permit for a program starting in the spring, summer or fall, but you can’t travel to Canada at this time due to travel restrictions, you’re also still eligible for the PGWPP.

  If you’re in this situation, you may:

  • Begin your classes while outside Canada.
  • Complete up to 50% of your program while outside Canada, if you can’t travel to Canada sooner.

  For more information please refer to the IRCC website.
• I need to obtain or renew my Social Insurance Number (SIN). What do I do?

  Service Canada Centres are gradually re-opening locations for key services. Find out if your local Service Canada Centre is open.

  Due to physical distancing, space is limited. Please advise clients to make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form. A Service Canada officer will call clients back within two business days.

  However, you can apply to obtain or renew your Social Insurance Number (SIN) online by visiting the Service Canada website. 

  SIN can only be issued to students who have a valid Study Permit indicating authorization to work in Canada.

Health and well-being

• Can I opt-out of the university health insurance plan (UHIP)?
  As a result of current remote learning options, International students who intend to study while living outside of Canada are eligible to opt-out of the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP). Eligible students must complete the UHIP opt-out form by Tuesday, September 15. If this form is not completed, students will be responsible for the UHIP fee for the full year. More information is available on the UHIP website.

Travel

• I have a study permit approval or a valid study permit. Can I enter Canada?

  You are exempt from travel restrictions and are able to enter Canada if you are travelling for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose and if you are an international student who has a valid study permit or was approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020. 

  If you are travelling to Canada, you will need to complete the Travel to Canada form.  

  Please refer to the IRCC website for more details.
• What documents will I need when I am at the border if I am travel exempt?

  You will need the following documents at the border if you are travel exempt:

  1. Valid study permit or your Letter of Introduction (IOL)
  2. Valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
  3. Valid passport
  4. Mask to wear to enter Canada
  5. Demonstrate you have a  quarantine plan for 14 days upon their arrival in Canada

  If you would like to speed up your arrival process in Canada and spend less time with border and public health officers, consider submitting your quarantine plan to IRCC through the ArriveCAN mobile app. The app—available for download on the IRCC website—allows you to submit your information easily and securely via the app within 48 hours before arriving in Canada. 
• What should I expect at the border?

  If you’re travelling by air, you need to pass a health check conducted by an airline before you will be allowed to board your flight. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air.

  Please refer to our arrival guide on the Student Life website for more information on what to expect at the airport.
• What do I need to provide for my quarantine plan?

  It’s mandatory for you to have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including:

  • A place to stay.
  • How you will access essential services and medical care, if required.
  • How you will get to your destination.
  • How you will get your groceries.

  We have developed this list to create your own quarantine plan. If you need support with your quarantine plan, please contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.

  Alternatively, you can hire Maple Assist to assist you with the following services:

  • A shuttle from Toronto Pearson Airport to Oshawa.
  • 14-day self-isolation at Residence or Motel in Oshawa or Whitby.
  • Emergency assistance for 14 days.
  • Sim card (already activated and placed in your room).

  To book with Maple Assist please email ontariotecharrivals@mapleassist.com. Please note that we do not sponsor Maple Assist. 

• Can I go home, and what happens to my classwork/assessments?

  International students looking to return to their home outside Canada may do so. The university recognizes the evolving circumstances and limitations on international travel. If you are leaving, you will still need to participate in the online classwork and alternative assessments that will be established by your professors. Note: Elements of your program that are not available online or adapted for completion through alternative forms of assessment may require arrangements, to be determined prior to the beginning of the next academic year.

Financial support

• As an international student, if I am laid off due to the COVID-19 situation, am I eligible for Employment Insurance?

  Yes, workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents—including temporary foreign workers and eligible international students—may be eligible to receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

  For more information and eligibility requirements, applications, contact information and more please visit the Service Canada website.

Academic support

• If I am an international student who can't enter Canada due to border closures/visa delays, how will I receive the lab component of my course, if it is in-person?

  If you find yourself in this situation, please contact your academic advisor to discuss.

  To find out exactly which undergraduate courses will be offered online and which will be in-person, please visit our Fall/Winter course offerings page.

  Find important information for grad students and postdocs on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

• What academic support is available?

  Student Life Centre services are being moved to online delivery models to support you during your remote-learning journey. For more information about workshops and online supports please visit the Student Life website.

Support

• Where should I direct other questions about my immigration status or how the COVID-19 situation might affect me?

  If you have additional questions, please contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.

  You may also contact Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) directly or keep checking the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Program delivery instructions page on the IRCC website for updated information. 

• Can I still access Student Life services?

  During this period of social distancing, Student Life services are being moved to online delivery models to continue supporting students during their remote-learning journeys.

  Service changes as of Tuesday, March 17:

  • One-on-one appointments are being held virtually.
  • In-person events have been cancelled.
  • Many workshops and learning communities are being hosted virtually.

  Find out more about the supports available for you by going to the Student Life website.
• What mental health support areas are available for me?

  Mental health supports are now available online—please note that wait times may be longer than usual:

  • Ontario Tech Student Mental Health Services can be reached at 905.721.3392 or studentlifeline@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Good2Talk Helpline (24/7) can be reached at 1.866.925.5454.
  • Crisis Text Line (24/7) support can be reached via text by texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868.

  The federal government also launched Wellness Together Canada, an online portal that connects Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls. The portal will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues.