COVID-19
Information for incoming international students
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada information for current international students
The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
We understand that the current situation is particularly difficult for you. Do not hesitate to ask for information and support through a private and confidential conversation with an international student advisor (ISA) at the International Centre.
Due to social distancing directives, until further notice, ISA appointments will take place by email or a pre-scheduled Zoom meeting. Students can make appointments by emailing international@umanitoba.ca with their name and student number.
International students can also contact these offices for additional support: Student Counselling Centre, Student Advocacy and Case Management, and Spiritual Care. Please call or email these units directly to determine the best way to access their services.
As of Oct. 20, 2020, designated learning institutions (DLIs) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory are able to reopen to international students who are currently outside Canada. The University of Manitoba is included on the list of DLIs.
International students with, or approved for, a study permit who will be attending an approved DLI like UM 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: UM is offering both Fall Term 2020 and Winter Term 2021 primarily remotely, with the exception of a very small number of courses that require in-person delivery.
If you have questions about coming to UM, contact studentarrival@umanitoba.ca.
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 if you require further information.
If you are an international student who is exempt from the current travel restrictions, this does not guarantee you entry into Canada as you must still demonstrate that you are travelling to Canada for an essential purpose. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined important information to review before making a final decision to leave 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 before you depart from your home country.
If you meet the aforementioned requirements to travel to Canada, there are some important resources for you to review to help you prepare for your arrival in Canada so you know what to expect when you land at the port of entry:
Important note: As of November 21, 2020, 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 this website.
Starting January 7, 2021: 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 coming to Canada for an essential purpose.
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 coming to Canada for an essential purpose.
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.
As of June 23, current directives from the Government of Canada indicate that, if you are allowed to enter Canada, all international travelers are subject to a mandatory quarantine for 14 days, even if you have no symptoms of COVID-19.
You will have needed to confirm an adequate place to quarantine. Please contact the student arrival coordinator to discuss your plan.
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:
Staying with a friend:
Rental apartment or house:
What to do if you get sick? If you travel to Canada and are not able to register for a minimum of one (1) course in the Fall 2020 Term, then you will not have health insurance from September 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. Similarly, if you aren’t able to register for a minimum of one (1) course in the Winter 2021 Term, then you will not have health insurance from January 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021 (unless you register in courses for the Summer 2021 term, in which case you will have coverage from May 1, 2021 – August 31, 2021).
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?
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.
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.
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.
Having to undergo a 14-day quarantine period will be very challenging, especially if you are moving to a new city and country.
Though we are not physically located on campus, UM 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.
Information for current international students
Updates effective October, 2020
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:
Compliance with study permit conditions
If your in-class courses are being temporarily moved to an online-only format or suspended completely because of COVID-19, you’re still compliant with your study permit conditions if you
How your PGWPP eligibility is affected
If you graduated or will graduate from a DLI that offers PGWPP-eligible programs, you’re still eligible for a post-graduation work permit if
If you’re outside of Canada
You’re still eligible for a post-graduation work permit if you can’t travel to Canada at this time due to travel restrictions and
If you’re in this situation, you can begin your classes while outside Canada and
If you apply for your study permit before starting your program, any time spent studying online from outside Canada since spring 2020 now counts toward the length of a post graduation work permit. (Before, only the time spent studying online after you were approved for a study permit counted.)
You won’t have time deducted from the length of your post-graduation work permit for studies you complete outside Canada until April 30, 2021.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
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.
If you are concerned about your finances during this time, here are some resources that may be helpful to you:
Current international students are invited to join the UM International Centre and fellow students for a weekly video chat on Zoom. Share tips, learn about UM and community resources and supports, and connect with other international students. Chats will take place every Thursday at 9 a.m. You must register using your UM student email account. Email Crystal Stewart for more information.