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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

International students

Travel

  • Can I travel to Canada?

    An approved COVID-19 readiness plan allows international students to enter Canada if you meet the following conditions: 

    • Valid study permit or letter of Introduction (not an AIP/first-stage approval) from IRCC that shows you were approved for a study permit
    • Valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) which is a sticker on your passport or Electronic Visa Authorization (eTA)
    • Valid passport 
    • Valid letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan for new international students
    • Valid Verification of Enrolment letter for current international students
    • Letter of support
      • The last day to request a letter of support before the winter holidays is Monday, December 14. The university is closed from December 24, 2020 to January 3, 2021. 
      • Undergraduate students: Request a specialized letter from the Office of the Registrar 
      • Graduate students: Request the letter from the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
    • Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
    • Adequate quarantine plan with the ability to respond to any questions relating to your quarantine plan upon arrival in Canada 

    More information can be found on the IRCC website.

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca. 

  • What do I need to do prior to travelling?

    For Ontario Tech university:

    Fill out the travel to Canada form prior to arriving in Canada, to notify the university you will be arriving. This form should be completed at least one month prior to travelling. 

    For Immigration Canada:

    Refer to our pre-arrival checklist on how to prepare for your travels to Canada. 

    Please note: The information border officials collect helps the Public Health Agency of Canada with its compliance and enforcement efforts. Providing false or misleading information is an offence under the Quarantine Act and can result in fines and potentially even prison time. 

    This information can be found on the IRCC website.

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca. 

  • What should I expect at the border?

    Make sure you have proof that you are exempt from the travel restrictions and that you are travelling for a non-discretionary, non-optional purpose. 

    When a Border Services Officer greets you, they will look at several factors, including:

    • Your health, which will be assessed at the port of entry. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to Travel to Canada
      • If you develop symptoms during your flight to Canada, you must tell a Canada Border Services Officer when you arrive in Canada
      • If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to someone who has/had COVID-19, you must tell a Canada Border Services Officer when you arrive to Canada
    • You will be asked for your traveller contact information form—ArriveCAN mobile app, web-based or paper form. 
    • Your non-discretionary reason for travelling to Canada.
    • Your ability to complete a 14-day quarantine period as soon as you arrive at your final destination.
    • If you either:
      • have time to complete your quarantine before you physically attend classes; or
      • can study online during your quarantine

    Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information Service for more information. Please note: A Border Services Officer will make a final decision on your eligibility to enter Canada when you arrive.

    This information can be found on the IRCC website.

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.

  • What do I need to provide for my quarantine plan?

    It is mandatory for you to have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including:

    • A place to stay.
    • How you will access essential services and medical care, if required.
    • How you will get to your destination.
    • How you will get your groceries.

    We have developed a quarantine resource guide to support your quarantine plan. For more information on quarantine requirements, refer to the IRCC quarantine guidelines.

    You are required to use Maple Assist with your private transportation from the Toronto Pearson Airport to your place of quarantine. They can also support you with the following: 

    • A shuttle from Toronto Pearson Airport to your place of quarantine. 
    • 14-day self-isolation at Residence, or a motel/hotel in Oshawa or Whitby.
    • Emergency assistance for 14 days.
    • Sim card (already activated and placed in your room).

    You can request this service through Maple Assist. 

    Please note: You are responsible for covering any costs related to your quarantine period, including accommodations, food and hygiene products, etc. We do not sponsor Maple Assist. 

    To learn more about private transportation, contact Maple Assist at ontariotecharrivals@mapleassist.com. 

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.

  • What do I do once I enter Canada?
    1. Inform the university the day you arrive in Canada by emailing your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca. 
    2. Refer to the arrival checklist for further instructions. 
  • What happens if I do not quarantine?

    This plan is mandatory even if you have no symptoms. 

    If you do not have a plan, you should not travel to Canada and will not be allowed to enter the country. A Border Services Officer will determine if you can enter. 

    The penalties for not following your quarantine plan once you are in the country can include:

    • A fine of up to $750,000.
    • Six months of jail time.
    • Being inadmissible—removed from Canada and banned from entering for one year. 

    Spot checks will be conducted by the Government of Canda to verify compliance. 

    Please contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca for assistance regarding COVID-19 testing. 

    Please note: Your transportation to the centre cannot be by public transit. 

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.

  • What do I do during quarantine?

    Monitor yourself

    Some of the more commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 include:

    • New or worsening cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • Temperature equal to or over 38°C
    • Feeling feverish/chills
    • Fatigue or weakness
    • Muscle or body aches
    • New loss of smell or taste
    • Headaches
    • Gastrointestinal symptoms—abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting

    Please note: Symptoms can vary from person to person.

    Take a self-assessment online

    Follow these steps

    • Stay at the quarantine accommodation for at least 14 days.
    • Do not leave the quarantine accommodations unless it is to seek medical attention.
    • Do not use public or private transportation (e.g. bus, taxi, subway, Uber, Lyft, etc.).
    • Do not have visitors or be in close contact with anyone.
    • Do not go to school, work or any public areas for 14 days.
    • Arrange for necessities (e.g. food, medication and cleaning supplies) to be delivered to your quarantine accommodation.
    • Monitor your health closely for 14 days. 
    • Learn more about quarantining from Public Health Canada—available in multiple languages. 

    Follow Public Health regulations

    • Stay at home and away from others if you feel sick.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.
    • Sneeze and cough into a tissue, or your bent elbow; do not cough into your hands.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Wear a mask in public after the 14-day quarantine period. 
    • Avoid shaking hands or hugging after the 14-day quarantine period.
    • Keep a distance of six feet from others after the 14-day quarantine period. 
    • Stick to a small and consistent social circle, and avoid gathering in large groups after the 14-day quarantine period. 
  • Can I travel outside of Canada, and what happens to my classwork/assignments?

    International students looking to return to their home outside Canada may do so. The university recognizes the evolving circumstances and limitations on international travel.

    Please note:

    • If you are leaving, you still need to participate in the online classwork and alternative assessments that will be established by your professors.
    • Elements of your program that are not available online or adapted for completion through alternative forms of assessment, may require arrangements to be determined prior to the beginning of the next academic year. Contact your Academic Advisor for details. 
    • Ensure your study permit—as well as your passport, and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)—are valid at all times. Failure to do so could affect your return to Canada and/or your eligibility towards post-graduate programs toward permanent residency.

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca.


New international students

  • I am a new student starting my program online—do I need a study permit now?

    International students do not need a study permit to legally start a program from outside of Canada, however, you will need one to begin studying in Canada once you are able to travel. We strongly recommend that you begin your study permit application process as soon as you can.

    As of July 14, 2020, students starting in Fall 2020 have access to a new two-stage study permit process: The first step is to receive an approval-in-principle, then a final approval after all remaining documents are submitted. This process aims to assist students starting their program online.

    Please note: An approval-in-principle is not a guarantee that you will receive a final study permit approval or that you will be able to travel to Canada. For more information please refer to the IRCC announcement.

  • My study permit application has been rejected—what should I do?

    If your study permit application got rejected, you are still able to study online if you are outside of Canada. However, you will need a study permit to begin your studies in Canada. 

    Reach out to your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca to support you on your resubmission for your study permit application. 


Immigration


Health and well-being

  • What is the University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP)?

    It is mandatory for everyone studying or working at Ontario Tech University to have health insurance coverage. Permanent residents and Canadian citizens are typically eligible for provincial health care plans.

    If you are not eligible for a provincial health care plan, it is mandatory you have UHIP. To learn more about UHIP, visit the International Office website or the UHIP website.  

  • Can I opt-out of UHIP?

    It is mandatory for everyone in Canada, studying or working at Ontario Tech University, to have health insurance coverage. All international students are enrolled in UHIP while they are studying at Ontario Tech unless they are eligible for an exemption.

    As a result of current remote learning options, international students who intend to study while living outside of Canada are eligible to opt-out of UHIP. 

    Eligible students must complete the UHIP opt-out form by Friday, January 15. The opt-out form will be available for the winter 2021 semester by Sunday, November 15. If this form is not completed, you will be responsible for the UHIP fee for the full year.

    If you are opting-out and come to Canada between January 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021, you must contact uhip@ontariotechu.ca within 30 days of arriving, and provide proof of your arrival date. At that time, you will be re-enrolled and a UHIP fee will be added to your account for the remainder of the academic year. Please note: If you opt-out of UHIP and do not inform uhip@ontariotechu.ca within 30 days of arrival in Canada, you will be charged a $500 late fee in addition to the UHIP fee.

  • When does my UHIP coverage begin?

    You must be registered for classes to be enrolled in UHIP. Coverage begins on the day you arrive in Canada, but not before the tenth of the month before you start your studies at the university. 

    Start term Earliest UHIP availability
    Fall August 10
    Winter December 10
    Spring/summer April 10

    If you arrive in Canada before your UHIP coverage can start, notify uhip@ontariotechu.ca and iss@ontariotechu.ca. Please note: You are responsible for purchasing adequate private health insurance until you are eligible for UHIP.

  • Do I have UHIP coverage if I'm in Canada but residing outside of Ontario?

    Yes.

    Students residing in other provinces or territories whose studies remain online:

    • are eligible for UHIP as if they are living in Ontario/Hull/Gatineau
    • have coverage for medical emergencies and necessary medical services
      • Members are encouraged to contact case.mgmt@sunlife.com if they are admitted to a hospital or need ongoing treatment.
      • Elective services outside of Ontario/Hull/Gatineau remain ineligible.

    Visit the UHIP website for more information on claims processing outside of Ontario but within Canada. 

  • Is the Campus Health Centre (CHC) open to see a doctor?

    The CHC is open for virtual and approved in-person appointments. Virtual supports continue to be available from doctors, nurses, Mental Health professionals and wellness coaches. 

    We will have openings for International Wellness Checkups (IWC).  Please indicate you want an IWC at the time of booking.

    For more information, visit the Campus Health & Wellness Centre website. 

  • What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

    If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you can use the COVID-19 self-assessment tool to help you determine what the recommended next steps are, and immediately self-isolate.

    Alternatively, you can contact the Campus Health Centre at: 

    Phone: 905.721.3037
    Email: CHC@durhamcollege.ca
    Live chat 

    If you require further assistance, contact your International Student Advisor at iss@ontariotechu.ca. 

  • Does UHIP cover COVID-19 testing?

    Yes. International students have access to COVID-19 tests, free of charge. 

    Ensure you take your UHIP card and a UHIP claim form with you. If SunLife receives a claim for COVID testing, they will work with the provider to resolve the issue. 

     

     

  • Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

    Visit a COVID-19 testing location to get a test nearest to you. 


Financial support


Academic support


Support


The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) in compliance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations.

Please note: This is not a legal document and information may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information.