Skip to content
Home » Arriving international Students

Arriving international Students

As of October 20, 2020, international students meeting the conditions listed below will be able to come to Canada regardless of the date of issue of their study permit, approval letter, or the country from which they are travelling.  Letters of support for incoming international students travelling for non-discretionary reasons are no longer needed. U of T is on the list of designated learning institutions.

We are excited to welcome new and returning students this fall and are making plans to provide each of you with a high-quality academic experience. 

For those students who are currently outside of Canada and who are planning to return to Rotman, we have provided this overview of what you need to know and how you need to prepare for your arrival in Toronto. 

Canadian citizens who are currently residing outside of the country and are now returning do not need study permits or any supporting letters.

Authorization to Enter Canada

To enter Canada as an international student you need the following. You will not be permitted to enter without all three.

1. Study permit or study permit approval

  • Have a study permit or study permit approval letter (“port of entry letter of introduction”) issued by Immigration Canada. An “approval in principle” is not enough. Students who have received approval in principle/stage 1 pre-approval, must still wait for a final decision regarding their study permit application.
  • If application, have either an eTA or TRV (“entry visa”), along with their passport. USA citizens are exempt from the eTA/TRV requirement.

2. Proof of registration at a Designation Learning Institution (DLI)

3. Your quarantine plan

  • Must register for a U of T quarantine program which can be completed at a U of T designated space, or in their own appropriate non-UofT space. All travellers must show evidence of their quarantine plan to CBSA upon arrival.

You can download the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) or use their accessible web app to submit the mandatory information required for entry into Canada. The app allows you to easily and securely submit the necessary information within 48 hours before arriving in Canada, speeding up the arrival process. If you cannot use any of these options, you can still provide the information upon arrival. If you’re registered for full quarantine support, the University of Toronto’s confirmation message should include the necessary information. If you will be quarantining at your own location, you’ll need to provide your own details.

 Further information

Additional guidance and information on all these topics can be found at the Government of Canada website. The University’s COVID-19 Information site also has helpful information. for international students.

If you have further questions about your right to enter Canada after reviewing the information above, St. George Cente of International Experience (isa.cie@utoronto.ca) has a team of advisors that can answer your questions. (Please mark messages as urgent with your planned travel date if you plan to travel within less than 2 weeks)

Mandatory Quarantine

A 14-day quarantine is currently required for anyone arriving from outside of Canada. The  Government of Canada has outlined the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travelers to Canada.

As part of our approach as a caring community, U of T will offer spaces for students to fulfill the mandatory quarantine requirements established by the Government of Canada and to support students’ overall health and safety.  Information on the process for registering for a mandatory quarantine space and service provisions is available from the Vice-Provost COVID-19 site.

Pre-departure – What you need to prepare before travelling
  • Valid student permit – we recognize that visa application centres have been closed in some countries, or are in cities to which students are unable to travel, and hence that not all students may be able to secure a permit. We advise that you apply online and continue to monitor application status.
  • Book a flight – if at all possible, ensure it is a direct flight from your country of origin, or a flight with minimal stops.
  • Develop a quarantine plan. If you don’t have a place to quarantine, complete the U of T quarantine application form in the StarRez portal
    • All students coming to U of T from another country may register for the U of T quarantine program. The program will include individual rooms, meals and supports. The program is available to students who will be living on-campus or off-campus.
    • Students who are completing the quarantine in a non-U of T space may register with the University to receive a health check and information on virtual supports and programs available.  An application form will be available in the StarRez portal.
  • Obtain a Confirmation of Registration letter printed from the School of Graduate Studies (SGS)
  • The University will confirm quarantine space with students who have requested it, which should also be presented at the border.
  • Ensure you have paid for your first semester tuition as you may be asked for proof of this at the border.  
  • Before you travel, ensure you are healthy and free of COVID-19 symptoms. Travellers who have COVID-19 symptoms are not permitted to travel by air to Canada.
  • Download the ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) and provide the information two days in advance of your flight; you will be required to provide contact and mandatory quarantine information.  
  • Please note you should not plan to travel with family members or friends. Should they be permitted to enter the country, they would be required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in Canada.  The University will not be able to provide quarantine space for family members or friends accompanying students to assist with move-in.  Students moving to Canada with dependents/spouses or who require a support person should indicate this information on their application form in StarRez.
  • If available to you, take a COVID-19 test. 
Departure –  In addition to belongings, please remember to bring the following with you in your carry-on baggage
  • Passport with a valid student permit or work permit or letter of invitation from the department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
  • Confirmation of Enrolment letter printed from SGS
  • A recent negative COVID-19 test result may be helpful
  • For those quarantining in U of T space, arrival instructions sent to you from Campus Servus
  • Proof of payment of tuition
  • Mask and hand sanitizer
  • Address of where you are quarantining
Arrival (for students quarantining in U of T space)
  • You will be greeted at the airport pick-up location upon arrival.  Welcome staff stationed at Toronto Pearson will meet incoming students and take students to vehicles booked to transport to quarantine location (Campus Servus)  
  • You will be transported from the airport to the quarantine location (residence/hotel) by university-provided transportation 
  • Upon arrival at your quarantine space you will be provided with quarantine information and instructions, contact information for staff, and a welcome kit 
  • On the day of your arrival and every day thereafter for 14 days, you will receive a temperature and well-being call
  • As you will not be able to leave your room, meals will be delivered three times a day
  • Information about on-line co-curricular and other offerings for you while in quarantine will be provided
  • At the end of the quarantine period, we will assist students moving into residence facilities if applicable.

Further detailed information is provided through the links in the above.  We ask that you read these thoroughly, and if you have any questions, please refer to the University’s Frequently Asked Questions or contact housing services or the Registrar’s Office.

We are delighted you will join us at Rotman and are committed to delivering engaging and interactive courses, as well as other learning and co-curricular activities that continue to live up to the high standards and reputation of a University of Toronto education.

Last Updated: 2021-01-11 @ 9:13 am