COVID-19 (coronavirus) international student supports

In response to the Omicron variant of concern, the University of Manitoba is moving courses to remote delivery wherever possible until the end of the Winter Term break on February 26, 2022. All non-essential activity will continue remotely. More information can be found on the COVID-19 website.

Everyone must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and upload their proof of vaccination to be on campus, except those few with an approved exemption.

Throughout your journey at UM, don’t hesitate to ask for information and support through a private and confidential conversation with an International Student Advisor (ISA) at the International Centre. We are here for you and are committed to your success!

Notices

  • In response to the Omicron variant, the Government of Canada has announced new travel and border measures. To see how this may affect you, review information about entry, testing and quarantine requirements.

    Note: All policies related to entering Manitoba and Canada, including the requirement to quarantine and associated with travelling within Canada, can change at any time and without notice by the Provincial and Federal governments. It is the responsibility of all international students to stay up-to-date on these policies at both the provincial and federal levels.

    If your travel plans have been affected by the recent travel ban, you must contact the student arrival coordinator with your new arrival plan and arrival date.

  • Starting November 30, 2021, Canada expanded the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. These additional vaccines are Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin, and are consistent with the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing. This expanded list of COVID-19 vaccines also applies to the national vaccination requirement for domestic travel in federally regulated modes of travel, including air and rail. This is in addition to the previous announcement by the federal government regarding the requirements for all air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels to be fully vaccinated.

  • Foreign nationals, including those residing in Canada temporarily (e.g., international students, foreign workers, etc.) will still be required to provide proof of a valid pre-entry molecular test, regardless of their length of time outside of Canada.

  • According to the Government of Canada, at this time, travellers who have received the Covaxin, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel, but that is not the same as being considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of living in Canada.

    UM is following Manitoba Health's definitions of what is considered fully vaccinated. This means that you may be be allowed to travel to, and within, Canada, but may need to get additional COVID-19 vaccinations(s) in order to visit UM campuses, request your Manitoba Immunization Card, go to restaurants, attend cultural and sporting events and other activities outlined under the current public health orders that require individuals to be fully vaccinated and provide proof.

  • As of January 15, 2022, 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. This includes international students 18 years of age and older.

  • International students under 18 should check the federal government’s website as travelling restrictions may be different for minors.

    Foreign nationals who do not permanently reside in Canada, and who were allowed to enter Canada as unvaccinated, including international students, will be allowed to depart Canada up until February 28, 2022 with their current vaccination status. After that time, foreign nationals will need to be fully vaccinated to board a flight or train in order to depart Canada.

    For further details regarding the easing of border restrictions, including the travel requirements for travellers to Canada please consult the Government of Canada website:

  • As of August 9, 2021: All travellers arriving in Canada by air are no longer required to stay for three nights in a government-approved hotel. However, those who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 14 days. 

    All international students must have a detailed quarantine plan in place, whether fully vaccinated or not, even if they don't have any symptoms of COVID-19.

    All incoming international students are required to submit the Arrival Form in order to ensure that sufficient support is provided to students.

    Please contact studentarrival@umanitoba.ca for information.

Due to social distancing directives, ISA appointments are currently taking place largely by email or pre-scheduled Zoom meetings. Students can make appointments by emailing  international@umanitoba.ca with their name and student number.

There are many avenues for international students to receive additional support at the University of Manitoba, including:

Please call or email these units directly to determine the best way to access their services.

On this page:

Students travelling to Canada Students already in Canada All current students

Students travelling to Canada

The University of Manitoba is an approved Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan. International students who will be attending an approved DLI, and have or are approved for a study permit, may be able to travel to Canada. For more information visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website and check out their newly released Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad.

Please note: When you register for Winter Term courses via Aurora the instructional approach for courses will be indicated. Information and relevant updates concerning Winter Term 2022 can be found on the COVID-19 information for students webpage.

All incoming international students are required to submit the Arrival Form. Please contact studentarrival@umanitoba.ca for further information.

In this section:

Students travelling to Canada Before you travel to Canada

There are many factors to consider before you travel to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read through the following information carefully and contact the student arrival coordinator to discuss your individual situation and ask any questions.

If you are an international student who is exempt from the current travel restrictions, this does not guarantee you entry into Canada. The final determination will be made by a government official at the port of entry. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined important information to review before making a final decision to leave your home country. Please review the checklist that applies to you to verify that you meet the new testing and quarantine requirements when coming to Canada.

Before you depart your home country, please note that it is your responsibility to determine if you are a) exempt from the current travel restrictions to Canada and b) are travelling to Canada for an essential purpose. 

If you meet the requirements to travel to Canada, please review these important resources so you know what to expect when you land at the port of entry:

Important note: Travellers coming to Canada by air will be required to use the ArriveCAN before they board their flight. They will need to provide travel and contact information, a quarantine plan, and a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment. Travellers will need to be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada. Travellers will also be required to confirm within 48 hours that they have arrived at their place of quarantine or isolation and those in quarantine must complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during their quarantine period. They will be able to submit information through the ArriveCAN app or by calling a toll-free number (1-833-641-0343). You can read more information about these new requirements on the government of Canada website.

Air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. See the news release for air travellers.

Upon arrival in Canada, you will meet with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the Port of Entry (POE) who will determine if you are eligible to enter Canada

When you register for Winter Term courses via Aurora the instructional approach for courses will be indicated. Information and relevant updates concerning Winter Term 2022 can be found on the COVID-19 information for students webpage. You must have a detailed and confirmed plan regarding how you will be able to meet the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement upon your arrival in Winnipeg, even if you don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated.

Students travelling to Canada Landing in Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, you will meet with a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the Port of Entry (POE), who will determine if you eligible to enter Canada.

  • When you register for Winter Term courses via Aurora the instructional approach for courses will be indicated. Information and relevant updates concerning Winter Term 2022 can be foundon the COVID-19 information for students webpage.
  • You must have a detailed and confirmed plan regarding how you will be able to meet the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement upon your arrival in Winnipeg, even if you don’t have any symptoms of COVID-19 and are fully vaccinated. This is because the CBSA officer will make the final decision on who meets quarantine exemptions. This includes having adequate financial resources to support your quarantine and isolation plans. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to CAD $5,000 under the Contraventions Act.
  • Travellers must be ready to show their ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada; a border services officer will verify that they have submitted their information digitally. Travellers who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine. Exceptions will be made for those unable to submit documents electronically due to personal circumstances, such as disability or inadequate infrastructure.
  • As of July 5, the Government of Canada announced exemptions for fully vaccinated travellers who meet specific conditions.

It is also important to review the general information that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has on its website to help international students prepare for their arrival in Canada.

Students travelling to Canada Arriving in Winnipeg

Quarantine

Current directives from the Government of Canada indicate that, if you are allowed to enter Canada, all international travellers are subject to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days, even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19. However, there is an exemption for fully vaccinated travellers that meet specific conditions.

Review current travel, testing, quarantine and border crossing information for all travellers arriving in Canada.

All incoming students must contact the student arrival coordinator to confirm an adequate place to quarantine in Winnipeg and to complete a mandatory arrival form.

You must also have a quarantine plan in place before arriving in Canada, even if you are fully vaccinated. These are some things to consider when developing your plan:

  • After your arrival in Winnipeg, you must immediately go to the housing that you have arranged.
  • You are not permitted to leave the accommodations where you are quarantining for the full quarantine period, which means that you cannot leave for any reason (except for COVID-19 test appointments - see Testing section below for more information).
  • Many Winnipeg grocery stores offer delivery services, which you can access while in quarantine. Visit the International Centre’s international student resources page for information about grocery delivery.
  • After your period of mandatory quarantine, you may leave your place of quarantine, but you must continue to follow all current public health orders to prevent the spread of the virus.
  • Visit the international student resources page for information to help you get settled in Winnipeg, as well as the COVID-19 student resources page for more information about available supports.
  • Violating any instructions provided to you when you entered Canada could lead to up to six months in prison and/or $750,000 in fines.
  • For information specific to Manitoba, please visit the Government of Manitoba website.

Specifics for vaccinated travellers

Fully vaccinated travellers are not subject to the federal requirement to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test on day eight. In addition, fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air will not be required to stay at a government-authorized hotel.

To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received a full dosing regimen approved by Health Canada — Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson — at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Additionally, travellers who have received the Covaxin, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel, according to the federal government, but that is not the same as being considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of living in Canada.

UM is following Manitoba Health’s definitions of what is considered fully vaccinated. This means that you maybe be allowed to travel to, and within, Canada, but may need to get additional COVID-19 vaccinations(s) in order to visit the UM campuses, request your Manitoba Immunization Card, go to restaurants, attend cultural and sporting events, and other activities outlined under the current public health orders that require individuals to be fully vaccinated and provide proof. Travellers can receive their vaccine in any country and must provide documentation supporting their vaccination in English, French or with a certified translation.

Manitoba’s Public Health orders state that individuals who have completed a full series of COVID-19 vaccine and at least two weeks have passed at the time of arrival since their last dose are exempted from the mandatory self-isolation if they do not have symptoms. This exemption includes children who are not eligible for the vaccine based on age, if all individuals they travelled with are fully immunized.

Important Note:Even if you are fully vaccinated, you must have a suitable quarantine plan where you can stay for at least 14 days. An arrival form is still required even if you are fully vaccinated and exempted from quarantine.

For information on arrival in Winnipeg – including getting settled, accommodations and housing, banking and access to money, living and learning in Winnipeg – please visit the website for international students.

Specifics for travellers who are not fully vaccinated

To be considered fully vaccinated, travellers must have received a full dosing regimen approved by Health Canada — Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson — at least 14 days prior to entering Canada. Additionally, travellers who have received the Covaxin, Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of travel, according to the federal government, but that is not the same as being considered fully vaccinated for the purposes of living in Canada.

For travellers who are not fully vaccinated or who have not received an approved vaccine by Health Canada, there are no changes to Canada’s current border measures. They must continue to adhere to the current testing and federal quarantine requirements. All travellers arriving to Canada by air, with some exceptions, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. 

Detailed information regarding the current travel and self-isolation protocols is available on the Province of Manitoba website.

The Government of Manitoba will administer the vaccine to non-Manitoba residents who have been isolating in Manitoba for at least 14 days and who will remain in Manitoba for a further 16 days minimum, resulting in a total stay of no less than 30 days. Non-residents must meet the minimum age requirement for each vaccine as listed in the eligibility criteria. Temporary residents must provide proof of date of entry to Manitoba, as well as documentation to support the reason and anticipated length of their stay (e.g., student visa, work visa, immigration documents).

Once you are fully vaccinated, you must upload your proof of vaccination to the UM website.

Testing upon arrival in Manitoba

The Manitoba government recommends that international travelers entering Manitoba receive two COVID-19 tests: one on the day of arrival and another on the seventh day after arriving in Manitoba, regardless of whether you are displaying symptoms, are visiting Manitoba or are returning from out of the country. Please visit the Province of Manitoba COVID-19 website for more information.

You are responsible for making an appointment with a provincial testing site when you arrive, and then a subsequent appointment after seven days. International students can pre-book an appointment to be tested on arrival by calling Health Links toll-free at 1-855-268-4318. University of Manitoba staff cannot make these appointments on your behalf.

Please note: If you do not have access to a private vehicle and cannot otherwise attend to a testing site on your own, call Health Links (204-788-8200) and they will help you develop a plan to visit a health facility safely.

All Winnipeg testing sites are listed here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.html

If you test positive for COVID-19, you will receive your test results via phone call from Public Health.

For eligible international students covered by the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP) who are required to be tested for COVID-19 in approved testing sites, the medical expenses incurred for testing will be covered under your plan. For more information, please visit mishp.ca.

Housing, banking, and communications

Housing:

You need to know the exact address and location of where you will be in quarantine prior to your arrival in Canada. Options to consider:

Temporary accommodation/hotel/hostel/Airbnb:

  • The University has negotiated a reduced rate at a local hotel; please contact the student arrival coordinator for more information if you are interested.
  • Keep in mind that you will need to arrange your permanent accommodation after you are done with your quarantine. You should plan to stay in these temporary accommodations while you are arranging permanent accommodation. This could take upward of two to three weeks.
  • Many hotels and Airbnb locations may not meet the requirements for individuals who need to quarantine. Before booking any of these accommodations, you must ensure that they meet the government standards for COVID-19 quarantine.

Staying with a friend:

  • Do you have a designated space where you can limit your contact with the other guests of the house? (i.e., separate bedroom, living space/kitchen if needed and washroom)
  • Please review this factsheet prepared by the Government of Manitoba for detailed information and considerations for individuals that are required to quarantine in a shared space.  

Rental apartment or house:

  • This is often difficult to arrange prior to arrival in Canada.
  • Is the space furnished and stocked with essential items that you will need? If not, you need to have a plan for how you will get the essential items that you need for the full 14 days of your quarantine. 
  • It might be difficult to visit and view rental properties in Winnipeg due to social-distancing measures that are being strictly enforced. 

Banking and access to money:

Do you have a credit card that will be accepted at local stores and online shopping websites to ensure you are able to order the things you require?

  • Commonly used credit cards include Mastercard, Visa and American Express (however, American Express is not always accepted). In addition, some credit cards may not be compatible with Canadian stores online, so please check with your local banking institution.

You will be required to order items online or for delivery, such as food, supplies, housewares, hygiene products or medicine as required.

Keep in mind you will not have the ability to visit a local bank and set up an account while you are self-isolating. International students are required to appear in person to set up a bank account for the first time.

  • Does your budget allow for the increase in expenses that will be expected during your time in self-isolation?
  • Will the funds you bring be able to accommodate any additional costs that come up?

Cell phone and Wi-Fi:

During your 14-day quarantine period, you will not be able to leave your accommodations to set up your cell phone with a Canadian carrier or purchase a new cell phone, if needed.

  • Do you have a cell phone plan (data coverage, long-distance calling, text messaging features) that will last during your self-isolation period before you are able to switch to a local carrier?

Similarly, if your accommodations do not already have Wi-Fi or internet access, then you will not be able to arrange for internet to be connected and activated in the location where you will be quarantining.

  • Do you have access to Wi-Fi? This is critically important if you are planning to start online classes. It might be very difficult, if not impossible, to arrange for internet, phone and Wi-Fi services to be installed and set-up during your self-isolation.

Support

Having to undergo a 14-day quarantine period will be very challenging, especially if you are moving to a new city and country.

  • Do you have any local supports in Winnipeg already?
  • Do you have friends or family to check in on you, or drop off things you may need?

Throughout this remote learning period, the University of Manitoba continues to provide many supports, programs and resources for students. Visit the COVID-19 student information page for details.

Please note: While UM can provide support by sharing electronic information and resources to help you arrange your own accommodations, transportation, options for grocery delivery, etc., we are not able to provide in-person assistance or confirm such arrangements for you.

Please contact an advisor at the International Centre to discuss your individual situation if you require further information. Email international@umanitoba.ca with your name and student number to be connected with an advisor.

 

Additional health information

It is mandatory for international students in Manitoba to have primary health coverage. For more information about the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP), visit the UM International Centre’s health coverage page.

If you travel to Canada and are not able to register for a minimum of one (1) course in the Fall 2021 Term, then you will not be covered under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan from September 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021. Similarly, if are not able to register for a minimum of one (1) course in the Winter 2022 Term, then you will not be covered under the health plan from January 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022.

Health coverage

  • All eligible international students are covered by MISHP. Therefore, if you are required to be tested for COVID-19 in approved testing sites, the medical expenses incurred for testing will be covered under your plan. For more information, visit mishp.ca 
  • Please note that newly enrolled international students are covered on an emergency basis for up to one (1) calendar month prior to the start of their first academic term. During this period, medical treatment and testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if symptoms began after departure from your home country.
  • If you are still considering travelling to Canada to start your program, we strongly encourage you to look into purchasing travel insurance from your home country that would cover you until the start of classes. We also recommend you confirm with the insurance provider if your coverage includes any medical costs related to COVID-19. Not all insurance providers cover these costs.  

What to do if you get sick

If you get sick please review the information on the student resources page.

Students already in Canada

For international students already in Canada:

Students already in Canada Medical

Students can call University Health Services at 204-474-8411, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for telephone consultations. Staff will assess and advise the student with respect to addressing their health-care needs. Virtual appointments can also be booked during these times.

What to do if you get sick: Review information on the student resources page.

Canada’s COVID Alert App is a free exposure notification app designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and prevent future outbreaks. UM is recommending that students, faculty and staff subscribe to the app. This app provides important COVID-19 related information, notifies individuals if they have been in close contact with someone who tested positive and provides advice.

International students can book vaccination appointments immediately after arrival as long as their stay in Manitoba is at least 30 days. The vaccine will be provided at no cost and some form of government-issued ID such as a passport will have to be presented to receive the vaccine.

International students covered under the Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP)  must call 1-844-626-8222 to book their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Unfortunately, online booking is not available for international students in Manitoba at this time.

For the latest updates on Manitoba’s COVID-19 vaccine campaign, please check the provincial government’s website regularly, which also includes a helpful list of frequently asked questions.

Students already in Canada Groceries and other resources

Many grocery stores offer delivery and pick-up options. For a list of grocery stores, please visit the international students page under the ‘Living and Learning in Winnipeg’ tab. Note that many retail stores, shopping malls and restaurants have changed their hours or have temporarily closed. Please check their websites or social media accounts, or call them directly, for the latest information.

We also understand that money may be tight, and you may need to look to a food bank, please visit the student information page under 'Personal support.'

Students already in Canada Travelling outside Canada

In this time of uncertainty, as always, we respect your autonomy and personal decisions. If you are considering going back to your home country in the near future, you should be aware that there are some very important considerations amidst the COVID-19 concerns. These considerations could include possible impacts on your Manitoba International Student Health Plan (MISHP) coverage if you leave Canada and return, what documentation you require to return to Canada, and when you may be able to return to Canada. Please contact an advisor at the International Centre to discuss your individual situation, as there are many factors to consider before booking a flight out of Canada. Please email the International Centre’s reception desk at international@umanitoba.ca with your name and student number to book an appointment with an advisor by email or pre-scheduled Zoom meeting.

Students already in Canada Financial support

If you are concerned about your finances during this time, here are some resources that may be helpful to you:

  • The Financial Aid and Awards Office is offering remote service during normal office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call 204-474-9531 or email awards@umanitoba.ca for information. For questions about government student loans, visit the Financial Aid and Awards website.
  • Please see the Financial supports page for general information on financial support for all students.
  • Find support after CERB: The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has ended; however, if you continue to need income support, you can find out if you are eligible for Employment Insurance or other recovery benefits.
  • Explore more resources from the Money Matters section of the international student resources guide.
  • Read more about working while you study under the “While you are in Canada” section on the International Students Immigration Information webpage.

All current students

For all current international students:

All current students Information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is continuing to update their response to the evolving situation and how that may impact students’ status in Canada as international students. New information is posted on their website on a regular basis. Please continue to monitor the following IRCC webpages as they update information related to temporary residents (e.g., international students) in Canada:  

Study permits

Compliance with study permit conditions
If your in-class courses are temporarily moved to an online-only format or suspended completely because of COVID-19 you will still be complying with your study permit conditions. To remain compliant, you must:

  • stay enrolled in your designated learning institution (DLI), and
  • participate in your studies online, if your DLI is offering them  

Extending your status

IRCC is still processing applications, including applications for extension of study permits. For international students who are in Canada and whose study permits will expire soon, IRCC advises to apply online to extend your study permit before it expires. For more information on extending your study permit, visit IRCC’s page about the process.

Post-Graduation Work Program

How your PGWP eligibility is affected

If you're inside of Canada

As per IRCC's website, you are still eligible for the PGWP if:

  • your in-person classes in Canada have been moved to an online-only format and you are taking your classes online because of COVID-19, or
  • you had to put your studies on hold or study part-time during the winter, spring or summer 2020 semesters because of COVID-19

As of the fall 2020 semester, you must be studying full-time to be eligible.

If you’re outside of Canada you may still be eligible for a PGWP if you:

and

  • have been enrolled in a program that was in progress in March 2020, or
  • have started or will start a program between spring 2020 and fall 2021, and
    • you have a study permit, or
    • you have been approved for a study permit, or
    • you applied for a study permit before starting your study program 
      • your study permit must eventually be approved

How much of your studies count toward a PGWP

You can complete 100 per cent of your studies online from outside Canada.

All of your time studying outside Canada between spring 2020 and August 31, 2022 counts toward the length of a PGWP. This applies even if you are completing two study programs.

If you are completing two study programs, you can finish 100 per cent of your studies online if the programs were ongoing or started between March 2020 and summer 2022, and:

The following time will not count toward the length of a PGWP:

  • Time spent studying outside of Canada after August 31, 2022
  • Time spent studying before you applied for the study permit

All current students Health plan

For eligible international students covered by MISHP who are required to be tested for COVID-19 in approved testing sites, the medical expenses incurred for testing will be covered under your plan. For more information, please visit mishp.ca.

Please note that newly enrolled international students are covered on an emergency basis for up to one (1) calendar month prior to the start of their first academic term. During this period, medical treatment and testing for COVID-19 will only be covered if symptoms began after departure from your home country.

All current students International graduate students

International graduate students who are concerned with potential delays in completing their program due to approved adjustments to scheduling, are encouraged to contact an advisor at the International Centre (IC) to discuss some important considerations. You can reach an advisor at the IC by sending an email, with your full name and student number, to international@umanitoba.ca.

All current students Connect with an advisor

Our international student advisors (ISAs) recognize the unique experience of international students. We are here to help you with your adjustment to life and study in Canada and throughout your time at the University of Manitoba.

The ISAs at the International Centre work with you at various points during your time at UM to plan ahead or work through challenges regarding personal matters, academics, university regulations and life in Winnipeg. Contact international@umanitoba.ca to connect with an advisor.

Find more COVID information