Frequently Asked Questions for International Students about COVID-19
Updated: Sept. 15, 2020
Laurier will continue to offer most courses online and virtually for the 2020/21 academic year. We continue to work together to identify aspects of programs and activities we can deliver in person, as aligned with public health requirements.
Details will continue to evolve and we will provide updates as information becomes available on the Remote Learning Hub.
Laurier’s International Recruitment and Admissions office and Laurier International will reach out to provide information specifically related to new and current international students.
Fall Term Update
Updated: July 30, 2020
I would like to come back to Canada for the fall even though classes will be virtual. Will I be able to travel back to Canada?
Note: Information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) related to travel to Canada is changing regularly. We recommend you refer to the IRCC website to check for the most recent information.
If you would like to travel to Canada for the fall semester, you must fulfill two requirements to be eligible to enter Canada: valid documentation and be traveling for an essential purpose.
Valid Documentation
You will need a valid, original study permit or an introduction letter that was issued on or before March 18, 2020. You will still need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in your passport or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
Please note that a study permit approval-in-principle (an approval to study prior to submitting your biometrics or medical exams and a Step 2 approval) is not sufficient to travel to Canada.
Traveling for an Essential Purpose
If your program must have an in-person component that cannot be accommodated through virtual or online means, this will be considered essential travel.
If your program and courses have been moved to 100% virtual or online delivery (as is the case for most of Laurier's classes for fall 2020), you must have other documented reasons to be in Canada to study.
If all of your courses are 100% virtual or online, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will utilize their discretion as to whether or not your travel will be considered essential, depending on your individual circumstances and the supporting documents you can provide when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry. For example, if your primary residence is in Canada and you can document that youa returning home to Canada, travel is likely to be considered essential.
Returning Students
If you are a returning student, some options of documentation you can provide the CBSA officer include but not limited to are:
- Past and current Verification of Enrolment (VOE) letters which you can download from LORIS. You can get current VOE after you have successfully registered for fall 2020 courses.
- Other documents which support that your travel to Canada is essential to actively pursue studies, which could include:
- A letter from from the university that states your program has in-person components that require all their students to be on campus or in Canada for academic purposes. if you need to be in Canada for academic purposes, such as attending in-person courses, accessing subjects or facilities, research, etc.
- Emails from Laurier about your classes being offered in person.
- If you are a returning student, your lease or residence contract for your residence that you've maintained while you were on a trip abroad.
- A letter from your co-op department about your mandatory co-op in Canada, and a copy of your job offer, if you have one.
- Documents relating to issues with internet restrictions or bandwidth limitations in your location abroad.
There is currently no process to obtain pre-approval from CBSA for your travel so if you decide to come to Canada, it will be at your own risk. We suggest that you email the CBSA for advice.
If you do not meet both criteria for valid documentation and traveling for an essential reason, you will not be able to enter Canada and should not make travel plans until further notice from the Canadian government.
Please note that all travelers to Canada, must travel with a non-medical mask or face covering and must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. You are responsible for arranging your own quarantine plan. Please contact Laurier International if you need support when creating your plan. Alternatively, you can register for Laurier’s quarantine plan that will be housed in residences on campus. Bring documents relating to your quarantine plan to present to the CBSA officer upon arrival.
Before you make plans or travel please make sure you check the IRCC website and the CBSA updates for the latest travel updates and restrictions.
I need to provide my biometrics. What should I do?
Students that are submitting applications from within Canada are temporarily exempt from providing biometrics. You can find out if this applies to you here.
This exemption applies to new applications as well as applications already in progress. If you have already submitted your application and paid the fee you will automatically be refunded once your application is finalized. If you are submitting your application now and the online application system asks you to pay for biometrics (CAN$85) you do not have to pay for it and you can ignore the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) that will be sent to you.
This exemption does not apply to applications made outside of Canada. If you are unable to give your biometrics, your application will be kept open until documents are received or evidence is provided that action has been taken. Please see the IRCC website for information on how they will process your application. Also see the IRCC website for where to give your biometrics.
You can begin studying remotely without a completed study permit; however, when the time comes to study in person in Canada, you will need to submit your biometrics to enter Canada.
Will classes be online in September?
Most of your courses will be offered online and virtually this fall. Laurier staff and faculty are working to identify aspects of programs and activities that can be delivered in person in accordance with public health requirements.
Staff and faculty are working on specific details of how this will look. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available and we'll continue to update our FAQs.
Laurier is committed to offering access to students who are unable to travel to our campuses.
How can I prepare for virtual classes in the fall?
We've created a resource guide filled with support services and golden ideas to help make your journey a little easier. Check out the top 5 ways you can prepare for a virtual fall term.
I'm a first-year student just starting at Laurier in September. Can I defer my offer until classes are back in person?
Find out more about deferring your offer here. You can also view the FAQs for future students for more information for students starting at Laurier in the fall.
Can I live in residence for the fall term?
Find out more about residence for fall term here.
Study Permits, Post-Graduate Work Permits and Biometrics
Updated: May 29, 2020
Where can I find the most recent information about study permits and immigration documentation?
Information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to change due to COVID-19. It is recommended that you refer to the IRCC website for updates and changes.
Helpful Links:
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Visitors, foreign workers and students
- Study in Canada as an International Student
- Study Permit: COVID:19 Program Delivery
If classes are online for the fall, do I still need a study permit to study remotely?
According to the IRCC, Canada will allow you to begin your studies remotely without an approved study permit. We highly recommend that you begin the process of applying for a study permit even if you do not have all the required documents to complete your application. Please continue to update your application via webform.
Your application will not be refused for missing documentation. Applying early will increase your chances of obtaining a decision on your study permit application before beginning your studies in September.
Do I need to renew my study permit if I'm going to be studying remotely in the fall?
More information is available on the IRCC website.
I will be studying in the LEAF Program in September. Do I still need a study permit?
The fall 2020 term of the LEAF program will be virtual. We highly recommend that you obtain your study permit to begin studying in the LEAF program.
Even though programs of less than six months do not require a study permit, you will still need one to travel to Canada when in-person studies resume and for your undergraduate studies.
Studying in the LEAF program, whether remotely or in person, does not impact your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
The LEAF program office can be contacted at leaf@wlu.ca.
What if I start studying without a study permit and then I don't end up receiving one?
If you start your studies without a valid study permit, there’s no guarantee you’ll be approved in the future to come to complete your studies.
Laurier will not issue tuition refunds for completed courses due to a study permit rejection. You will also be required to pay tuition for partially completed courses in accordance with the guidelines set in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
We highly encourage you to get a study permit before you start your courses to eliminate these risks.
If your study permit application is refused, please email laurierinternational@wlu.ca as we may be able to support you through the re-application process.
Why is it recommended I arrange my travel documents even though classes are remote for fall 2020?
We recommend arranging your travel documents because:
- To study in Canada, you will need a valid study permit (if you are not a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident). You may also need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. If so, it will be issued as part of your study permit application.
- Once in-person studies resume, you will need your travel documents to arrive in Canada and continue your studies at Laurier.
- Having a valid study permit before beginning studies, whether you're inside or outside of Canada, is especially important for those who want to remain eligible for the post-graduation work permit program (PGWP).
Will virtual classes impact my ability to get a post-graduate work permit?
You may begin your studies online outside of Canada if you:
- Have applied for your study permit before September 15, 2020,
- Have a Study Permit approval-in-principle,
- Have a Letter of Introduction or
- Have a study permit.
Please check the IRCC website for recent updates.
Will there be delays in my study or work permit applications resulting from COVID-19?
If you will remain in Canada during this time, always plan ahead: check the current processing times to find out how long it will take to process your application, and be sure to submit your application before your status expires.
Even if there are delays in processing your application, applying to renew your study permit or work permit will allow you to stay in Canada and continue studying or working while you wait for your application to be processed. This is called implied status.
I need to provide my biometrics. What should I do?
According to the IRCC website, if you are unable to give your biometrics, your application will be kept open until documents are received or evidence is provided that action has been taken. Please see the IRCC website for information on how they will process your application. Also see the IRCC website for where to give your biometrics.
You can begin studying remotely without an approved study permit or letter of introduction; however, when the time comes to study in person in Canada, you will need to submit your biometrics for the completion and processing of your application to be able to enter Canada.
Having a valid study permit before beginning studies, whether you're inside or outside of Canada, is especially important for those who want to remain eligible for the post-graduation work permit (PGWP).
I will complete my program while I'm outside of Canada. Can I still apply for my Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?
Yes, you can still apply for your post-graduate work permit (PGWP). Applications for your PGWP can be submitted from within or outside Canada.
You must apply within 180 days of completing your program, and have or had a valid study permit.
I have moved and I’ve submitted an application to the IRCC. How can I update my address with the IRCC?
You can update your address with IRCC by submitting a web form.
Health Insurance and COVID-19
What should I do if I think I have contracted, or been exposed to, the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
If you think you think you have contracted COVID-19, or have been exposed to the virus, you should do a self-assessment first following the Ontario Ministry of Health guidelines.
If you need to visit an assessment centre for testing, you should take a paper copy of your UHIP card or your GuardMe card. If you are covered by UHIP, you should also bring a copy of your UHIP claim form (PDF file). If you are covered by GuardMe, you will submit your claim form online.
Does my university health insurance cover me for the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
UHIP and GuardMe will provide coverage for medical doctor appointments, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, etc., as it does for other illnesses.
The WLUSU and GSA health plans cover the costs of prescriptions for undergraduate and graduate students. GuardMe provides prescription cover for LEAF Program students and Pre-MBA Program students.
- For more information about UHIP check the UHIP FAQs about COVID-19
- For more information about GuardMe, check the GuardMe site
I am leaving Canada. Will my university health plan cover fees for COVID-19 testing and treatment outside Canada?
UHIP covers very minimal costs outside of Canada. It is highly recommended that you purchase a travel plan for the duration of your stay in the other country.
International Travel and Canada's Borders
With the Canadian border closed, do I have to leave Canada?
No. As long as your study permit is valid you can remain in Canada. You will need to extend your study permit if it will be expiring within the next three to six months.
If I leave Canada can I re-enter?
To return to your studies in Canada, you need a valid study permit and a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has now posted travel exemptions to Canada.
The interim order exempts foreign nationals who held a valid Canadian study permit or were issued a letter of invitation dated on or before March 18, 2020, the date on which the first interim order came into force.
These international students were already enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada or had been accepted by a DLI and made arrangements to come to Canada to study before the travel restrictions were put in place.
These foreign nationals can self-identify to airlines at the point of boarding that they are exempt under this provision by presenting
- a valid study permit, or
- a letter of introduction from IRCC dated on or before March 18, 2020
You can view the full details here. Please email us if you have any questions or concerns.
If I want to go home, what should I consider before I leave?
Before leaving Canada, some things to consider are:
- Where is the best place for you to practice social distancing: the city in Canada where you are currently staying or in your home country?
- What level of exposure to the virus will you face while traveling, as well as in your home country?
- Are you able to complete the winter 2020 term from outside of Canada and, if required, to enrol in the spring/summer/sprummer term if you leave Canada?
Where can I get more information about immigration in Canada?
The IRCC has implemented special immigration measures for certain countries, so we encourage you to monitor the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
You can also contact the International Student Advisors, who are certified as immigration advisors for international students.
Staying in Canada
What if I think it is better that I stay in Waterloo/Brantford/Canada?
If you will be staying in Canada, you will need to make sure you have the resources for your own care and well-being.
Can I stay in residence?
In an effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, Laurier required all students to move out of Laurier-operated residences by Wednesday, March 18 at 11:59 p.m. Only international students who are currently in residence and do not have an option for staying with friends or relatives, or going home are able to stay in residence until the end of the winter term. Residence will be closed for spring/summer terms.
Do I need to be in contact with my embassy or consulate?
You are encouraged to check in with the closest embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission. Governments around the world are reaching out to their citizens and have enacted supportive measures to assist their citizens at home and abroad.
How can I get support if I stay in Canada and need to self-isolate?
If you’re living in residence and need to self-isolate, please email residence staff to inform them that you are self-isolating.
If you’re living off-campus, third-party companies are offering delivery services for a fee.
If you need support, or someone to talk to, please know that the Laurier International remains open and is providing advising by email. Please contact us at laurierinternational@wlu.ca.
The Student Wellness Centres remain open, but you must call first and follow important updated appointment procedures. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
International Student Support has in place a multilingual online counselling and advising support service for all international students, accessed through the My Student Support (MySSP) app. The app is available for Apple and Android devices. Please note that the app and all services are free of charge to you as an international student.
Tax Information
Updated: May 29, 2020
Do I still have to file my taxes?
Yes. If you worked in Canada in 2019, you still need to file your personal income tax. The deadline to file has been extended to June 1, 2020.
- Laurier International is hosting two tax information webinars, on June 11 and June 25, with presentation from a CRA representative. Register now for one of these webinars.
How can I file my taxes?
In-person tax clinics have been cancelled due to COVID-19 and we don't know at this time if they will be available before the filing deadline. You can use a software program to file your taxes yourself using a certified software program. Some programs are free and some require you to pay; you can choose the one that is best for you.
What documents do I need to file my taxes?
You will need your T2202a, issued from Laurier and available on LORIS. If you worked, you will receive a T4 from your employer. If Laurier was your employer, your T4 will be available on LORIS.
You may need other documents. Review the CRA website for more information.
Government Assistance
Can I apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or the Canadian Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)?
To find out if you are eligible for either the CERB, visit the website. You can also view the frequently asked questions for more information.
International students are not eligible for the CESB.
How do I apply for the emergency benefits?
You can apply for CERB here. If you have questions or issues, contact Service Canada.
Contacting Laurier International
How do I contact International Student Support (ISS) at Laurier International?
With all buildings closed on campus, ISS has moved to providing online supports and advising. All International Student Advisors are now working from home and can be contacted by emailing laurierinternational@wlu.ca.
International Student Advisors will be available to respond to your messages and to provide support from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
All regular supports and advising will continue to be available. This includes but is not limited to: immigration advising, academic transition supports, and support for your health and well-being. Please stay in touch and reach out to us when you need support.
I learned that Laurier International is sending updates to all international students to my myLaurier email address but I haven't been receiving them. How can I start receiving the messages?
If you are not receiving updates from Laurier International, please send an email to laurierinternational@wlu.ca.
Updates from Laurier
Where can I get information about Laurier and COVID-19?
All information related to Laurier and COVID-19 can be found on the coronavirus information page.