Foreign workers and students

This page explains how travel restrictions, effective as of 12:01 a.m. ET on January 15, 2022, will affect foreign workers and international students. To find out if you can enter Canada before then, answer a few questions.

Foreign workers: Travel restrictions and exemptions

As a foreign worker, you must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller to enter Canada, unless you have a job in 1 of the following categories:Agricultural or food processing workerMarine crew memberMake medical deliveriesWork with medical equipment or devices

If your immediate family members need to come to Canada

If your family members are 18 years of age or older, they must qualify as fully vaccinated travellers to join or visit you in Canada.

If they’re under the age of 18, answer a few questions to find out if they can visit or join you in Canada.

Before you travel to Canada

All travellers entering Canada must follow testing and quarantine requirements to keep everyone safe. Under certain conditions, you may be exempt from some of these requirements.

Find out if you’re exempt from any testing and quarantine requirements

If you haven’t applied for a work permit yet

Due to COVID-19, we can’t provide accurate processing times. There are also special instructions for priority processing for some workers.

How COVID-19 has affected the application process

Temporary workers already in Canada

COVID-19 has changed how to apply for a work permit and how we’ll process your application.

Find out how COVID-19 changes affect foreign workers in CanadaAgricultural, agri-food and seafood employers

International students: Travel restrictions and exemptions

To be able to enter Canada as a student, you must meet 3 requirements:

You must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller unless you’re a minor student (under the age of 18 years).
You must have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows you were approved for a study permit, unless you don’t need one.
You must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI).

Even if you qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller, you must have a 14-day quarantine plan in place before arriving in Canada. The border services officer will make the final decision about whether or not you qualify.

Applying for a study permit

If you’re applying for a study permit, you should apply online.What you need to travel to Canada as a student 18 years of age or olderWhat you need to travel to Canada as a minor student (under 18 years of age)Cross-border students (daily or regular crossing)If your child is accompanying you to Canada

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