The following websites may be useful to international students:
- Office of the Registrar’s website for useful information for prospective international students
- Academics page for information on assistance accessing class material and meeting with counsellors and faculty advisors
- Student Housing website for information on residence supports and services
- Government of Canada website for the most up to date information about COVID-19 travel exemptions and restrictions for international students
General
Yes. The University of Guelph is on the Approved DLI List for COVID-19 Readiness. If you are a U of G international student and have a valid or approved study permit, you are eligible to travel.
Learn more about updated travel restrictions.
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According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), any time spent studying online from outside Canada since Spring 2020 now counts toward the length of a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). You will not have time deducted from the length of your PGWP for studies you complete outside Canada until August 31, 2021 .
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Please refer to the guidelines set out by IRCC. It is also strongly recommended that you contact your academic department to determine if online programs are available.
If you have additional questions about IRCC guidelines, please email international student advisors Matthew Keefe (mkeefe@uoguelph.ca) or Pugaleni Iynkaran (iynkaran@uoguelph.ca).
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International students can start studying remotely (outside of Canada) while waiting for a decision on their Study Permit application. However, if the study permit is refused, students can choose one of the following two options:
- Students can complete the semester online (if available) and retain their academic record at U of G to pursue further studies at the University in the future or as transfer credits for another institution. No refunds will be issued in this case. OR
- Students can request a full refund of the tuition fee through the Tuition Fee Appeal Process. If the appeal is approved, a refund will be granted and the student’s academic record at the University will be deleted. Refunds will not be granted after the completion of the semester and must be submitted prior to the end of the semester in question. Students will need to attach the IRCC study permit rejection letter to their refund application to be considered for a refund.
Registered international undergraduate and graduate students can apply for needs-based financial assistance.
Please complete and submit an International Student Financial Need Assessment form.
For more information about financial resources for students, visit the Student Financial Services FAQ page.
Link to this tabTravelling to Canada
Depending on your vaccination status, you may be exempt from quarantine requirements when you arrive. Effective April 25, 2022, all fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. International students under 18 years of age who do not meet the requirements of a fully vaccinated traveller and those who are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccination for medical reasons may be required to quarantine for 14 days. In this case, you must demonstrate that you have a suitable plan for quarantine. More information about quarantine exemptions can be found online.
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Certain groups of travellers who are currently exempt from entry requirements will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. Fully vaccinated travellers are subject to random testing upon arrival from countries are no longer required to quarantine in a suitable place while awaiting their test results.
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On-campus quarantine options are not available this year, other than for students living on campus. If you require support, please reach out to an International Student Advisor.
The primary option for quarantine is finding a suitable place off-campus. You can quarantine in any private dwelling that has access to private entrance, bathroom and kitchen facilities and will not be shared with anyone who isn’t also in quarantine with you. To assess your quarantine plan, please visit the Government of Canada website.
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The Government of Canada provides guidelines on how to quarantine, if needed, when you arrive in Canada.
Please visit the Government of Canada website to assess your quarantine plan.
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Yes, you can quarantine with housemates or roommates provided you follow the Government of Canada’s quarantine guidelines.
Please visit the Government of Canada website to assess your quarantine plan.
You can quarantine with co-arriving family members.
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Yes. If you have suitable, private off-campus accommodation, you can quarantine with your co-arriving family members there.
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Yes. International students may complete their approved quarantine off campus at locations in Ontario beyond Guelph.
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Students who break the conditions of the quarantine program can face serious consequences, as they will be in violation of the Quarantine Act. The Quarantine Act is enforced by Guelph Police Services, and students can be arrested, charged and subject to penalties up to $750,000 fines, and six months in jail. In addition, international students can be subject to a removal order from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and be banned re-entry to Canada for one year.
Link to this tabVaccination
Information about vaccination requirements for international students is available on our COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ page.
International Graduate Students
Refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website for information on how to change the conditions or extend your work and/or study permits.
International students can also contact Matthew Keefe, International Student Adviser, at mkeefe@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120, Ext. 58698.
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The International Student Adviser has a support letter that can be submitted with your immigration application as an additional support document (not in lieu of other mandatory documents). Please contact Matthew Keefe, International Student Adviser, at mkeefe@uoguelph.ca or 519-824-4120, Ext. 58698, to obtain a copy of this document if needed.
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