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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 Updates
Beginning Monday, April 25:

Fully vaccinated travellers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. More information can be found on the Government of Canada website. 

Beginning Saturday, January 15:

International students who are 18 years and/or older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated.  

Unvaccinated international students under the age of 18 will be permitted to enter but must attend a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the school is located. 

More information on these new measures can be found on the Government of Canada website.

 

Before you arrive

  • Can I travel to Canada?

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

    You must adhere to the regulations and policies set in place by Ontario Tech, the Government of Canada, and the provincial government when travelling to Canada. 

    More information can be found on the IRCC website.

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

  • When should I travel to Canada?

    Effective November 3, 2021, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will no longer restrict international student arrivals to four weeks before their studies begin. CBSA will take a more facilitative approach to international students entering Canada and any reasonable length of time prior to study will be considered.

    This change in guidance will apply to all international student arrivals regardless of their vaccination status.

  • 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 immediately after your flight has been confirmed and at least three weeks before your departure to Canada. 

    For Immigration Canada:

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

      • Have an adequate travel plan (if applicable). Refer to our Quarantine Resource Guide to help you create your plan. Beginning Monday, April 25, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. 

      • Have a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result (if applicable). More information can be found on the Government of Canada website. Effective Friday, April 1, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water.

      • Fully vaccinated international students could be randomly selected on-arrival for testing, but you will no longer be required to quarantine while waiting for your test result. Unvaccinated international students are required to take a COVID-19 arrival test, Day 8 test and complete 14 days of quarantine. Beginning Saturday, January 15, international students who are 18 years and/or older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated international students under the age of 18 will be permitted to enter but must attend a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the school is located.

      • You will need to provide the information on the ArriveCan App, as well as answer COVID-19 screening questions and enter a suitable quarantine plan.

      • Have an adequate quarantine plan even if you are not fully vaccinated. Refer to our Quarantine Resource Guide to help you create your plan. 

    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. 

    You must comply with the university's requirements set forth in the readiness plan. If you are not fully vaccinated, Ontario Tech is responsible for monitoring your quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

    This information can be found on the IRCC website.

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

  • What documents do I need prior to travelling to Canada?
    Prior to travelling to Canada, you will need the following documents:

    • 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)
    • A valid passport.

    • A 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.
      • Undergraduate students: can be found in MyOntarioTech under the Current students box and selecting Undergraduate verification of enrolment under the Student records heading—download instructions can be found online.
      • Graduate students: Complete the request form for the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

    • Letter of support
    • Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada.

    • Use ArriveCAN within 72-hours prior to arrival to Canada to submit:
      • Contact information and travel details.
      • Vaccination information, pre-entry test results and travel history.
      • Quarantine plan.
      • Saved traveler feature
      • Important: print or take a screenshot of your receipt and take it with you with you travel.
      • More information can be found on the ArriveCAN to enter Canada website.

    Important: Carry these documents with you at all times and do not put them in your checked luggage. 

    More information can be found on the IRCC website. 

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

  • Do I need a quarantine plan?
    Beginning April 25, fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to provide a quarantine plan upon entry. More information can be found on the Government of Canada website.
  • What do I need to provide for my quarantine plan?

    If applicable, your quarantine plan should include:

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

    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. 

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

  • Can the university assist me in booking my quarantine plan?

    The university has partnered with various services to help you with your quarantine plan. You can work with the following companies, where they will arrange your quarantine plan for you:

    1. Study Safe Corridor (SSC) is a program that assists students during their travel and quarantine process. The program supports you in aspects such as accommodation, private transportation, pickup from the airport, meal arrangements, daily check-ins, health services and support after hours.
    2. Maple Assist helps students arrange transportation and quarantine accommodations for residence or off-campus. Private transportation and/or accommodations can be booked through Maple Assist where they will arrange for you. To learn more, contact Maple Assist at ontariotecharrivals@mapleassist.com.

    You can continue using the service until Friday, January 14. After Saturday, January 15, International students who are 18 years and/or older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated international students under the age of 18 will be permitted to enter but must attend a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the school is located.  

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

  • What are my learning options if I am an international student and am unable to enter Canada, or cannot attend on-campus classes due to medical reasons?

    Ontario Tech is returning to blended instruction where a majority of classes will be in-person, while respecting current public health requirements. While some classes will be offered online, not all courses will have both in-person and online offerings.

    Students who are not able to enter Canada—or who are unable to come to campus due to medical reasons—should go ahead and enrol in online courses.

    There are many options for online courses and we recommend—if you have not done so already—you go ahead and enrol in courses that best suit your needs. Where fully-online options are not available, we encourage you to reach out to your faculty’s Academic Advising team so that we may help you determine if accommodations can be made, or the best alternate options for you based on your program and year level.

    If this applies to you, please contact your respective Academic Advisor for assistance.


After you arrive

  • What should I expect at the border?

    Make sure you have proof that you can travel to Canada.

    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 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.

    More information can be found on the IRCC website and our Before you arrive website.

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

  • What do I do once I enter Canada?
    1. COVID-19 test and quarantine.

    Fully vaccinated international students could be randomly selected for on-arrival testing, but you will not be required to quarantine while waiting for your test result.

    Unvaccinated international students are required to take a COVID-19 arrival test, Day 8 test and complete 14 days of quarantine. Beginning Saturday, January 15, international students who are 18 years and/or older will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated international students under the age of 18 will be permitted to enter but must attend a designated learning institution with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by the province or territory where the school is located.

    2. Inform the university the day you arrive in Canada by emailing your International Student Advisor at internationalarrivals@ontariotechu.ca. 

    3. Refer to the arrival checklist for further instructions. 

    You must comply with the university's requirements set forth in the readiness plan. Ontario Tech is responsible for monitoring your quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Non-compliance with quarantine measures will result in informing local government officials. 

  • What do I do during quarantine?

    Follow Ontario Tech's regulations:

    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. You can find information on other symptoms on the Government of Ontario website. 

    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.

    You must comply with the university's requirements set forth in the readiness plan. Ontario Tech is responsible for monitoring your quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Non-compliance with quarantine measures will result in informing local government officials. 

  • What happens if I do not quarantine (if applicable)?

     If you are required to quarantine and do not follow proper guidelines, the penalties 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.

    If you choose to break your mandatory quarantine or isolation, and it results in the death or serious bodily harm of another person, you could face:

    • A fine of up to $1 million
    • Imprisonment of up to three years
    • Both

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

    You must comply with the university's requirements set forth in the readiness plan. If you are not fully vaccinated, Ontario Tech is responsible for monitoring your quarantine to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

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

  • How can I book my arrival test if I am not fully vaccinated?
    Arrival testing for unvaccinated travelers: Create an account for arrival testing. Create this account in advance to save time at the border. In addition, please ensure you use the same email address you used for your ArriveCan account.
  • Do I need an arrival test at airports and land borders if I am fully vaccinated?

    On Monday, February 28, Canada announced a phased easing of restrictions including the on-arrival testing for all fully vaccinated travellers to random selection. International students arriving in Canada who qualify as fully vaccinated, could be randomly selected for the arrival testing. If you are selected, you will not need to wait in quarantine awaiting your test results.

     

  • Do I need an arrival test or Day 8 tests if I am not fully vaccinated?
    Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be subject to mandatory on-arrival and day 8 testing.
  • What do I do if I am vaccinated with non-Health Canada authorized vaccines and residing in Canada?

    If you plan to stay in Canada for longer periods of time (i.e., to live, work or study in Canada) and you have received one or two doses of a non-Health Canada authorized vaccine, you should get one additional dose of an mRNA vaccine soon after arrival in Canada.

    • The minimum interval between the preceding dose and the additional dose should be 28 days.
    • If you have already received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, no additional doses are needed at this time.

    You need to go through Public Health for review first, which can be initiated on the Durham Region Public Health website.

    To find more information, please check the Government of Canada website.

  • Can I travel outside of Canada?

    If you decide to travel, we encourage you to do the following: 

    • Regularly check your destination's travel advice and advisories to ensure your safety and to learn about any travel restrictions.
    • Have adequate resources (i.e. online tools, university email access in your country of destination, internet stability, etc.) to ensure you complete your classwork and assessments. 

    Travel back to Canada

    There are mandatory measures in place that you must follow upon your return to Canada.

    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.

    More information on travelling to Canada can be found on:

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


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. 

    In order to receive a full UHIP refund, eligible international students must complete the UHIP opt-out form only if they do not plan on coming to Canada for their studies. New spring/summer start students must complete the UHIP opt-out form before Friday, May 20. If you do not complete this form by Friday, May 20, you will be responsible for the UHIP fee for the remainder of the year. Students that completed this form previously and continue to study remotely do not need to fill it out again.

    If you are opting-out and come to Canada between May 1, 2022 and August 31, 2022, 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?

    You have access to a COVID-19 screening free of charge, regardless of OHIP status, unless you need the test for travel reasons. You should provide your UHIP card if asked. If Sun Life—the insurance provider—receives the claim, they will work with the provider to resolve the issue. 

    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.  

    Service
    Who pays?

    Medical services primarily for COVID-19 screening (symptomatic or otherwise) at any testing location

    This includes but is limited to emergency rooms, campus clinics, local testing centres or designated pharmacies.

    		 Publicly-funded system

    Emergency services and hospitalizations related to COVID-19 (e.g. inpatient hospital charges, physician charges, lab work)

    Members should follow guidance from Ontario Health on when to go to the emergency department. UHIP insured health-care services are limited to emergency services and charges related to admission to the hospital for illness related to COVID-19. 

    		 UHIP

    COVID-19 testing centres—including emergency rooms, testing centres and pharmacies—for those that are symptomatic or otherwise are paid for through the Ministry of Health, not UHIP. Testing criteria and billing/claim practices are determined by the Ontario Ministry of Health and long-term care, not Sun Life or UHIP. Learn more. 

    A person who is asymptomatic may be eligible for COVID-19 testing performed at Shoppers Drug Mart. However, it would be dependent upon the criteria set by Shoppers and/or the Ministry of Health, not Sun Life or UHIP. 

    Another factor to take into consideration could be the reason for testing, such as if it was for purposes of travel; in that case, the test would be $199 plus tax, out of your own pocket.  

  • Where can I get a COVID-19 test?

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

  • Am I eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine if I am living in Ontario?

    You are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under UHIP, based on provincial eligibility guidelines that include supply of vaccine, age, occupation, and hot spots that have a high infection rate. 

    The Ministry of Health (MOH) reimburses mass vaccination sites, mobile clinics, pop-up clinics, public health units and pharmacies for administering the COVID-19 vaccination, but does not reimburse private doctor offices or nurse practitioners for individuals. Depending on where you get vaccinated, there may be a charge and it’s eligible for reimbursement under UHIP. 

    See below:

    Where is the UHIP member getting their vaccination?
    Who pays?
    • Designated mass vaccination site
    • Mobile or pop-up clinics
    • Public health unit
    • Designated pharmacy

    Government of Ontario

    You should not receive any charges. If there is a charge, contact case.mgmt@sunlife.com to handle it.

    Primary care setting (e.g. family doctor, campus clinic)

     

    Community walk-in clinic

    Preferred Provider Network (PPN)

    To avoid out-of-pocket expenses, if possible, you should attempt to book/receive your vaccine with the PPN. 

    The maximum UHIP reimbursement when the sole reason for the visit is to receive the vaccine:

    • If administered by a doctor
      • G700: $7
      • G593: $16.25
      • Total UHIP reimbursement: $23.25
    • If administered by a nurse
      • G700: $5.60
      • G593: $13
      • Total UHIP reimbursement: $18.60

    G700 and G593 = The payable OHIP fee codes when the sole reason to visit is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

    Outside of the PPN

    If you go to a doctor's office outside of the PPN, you may be charged over and above UHIP's reimbursement rates. Complete and submit a claim to Sun Life for reimbursement.
    Important
    • Access the Ontario provincial website to find out when/where you can book your vaccine. 
    • Each public health unit, mass vaccination site and pharmacy have their own booking requirements. Some online booking portals require a provincial health card number. If you are required to enter a health card number, you should call the booking center to schedule your appointment; advise them that you do not have OHIP coverage. 

    The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented and dynamic situation and we will update this guidance as we become aware of any changes.

  • Am I eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine if I am living outside of Ontario, but within Canada?

    The Ministry of Health (MOH) reimburses mass vaccination sites, mobile clinics, pop-up clinics, public health units and pharmacies for administering the COVID-19 vaccination, but does not reimburse private doctor offices or nurse practitioners for individuals. Depending on where you get vaccinated, there may be a charge and it’s eligible for reimbursement under UHIP. 

    See below:

    Where is the UHIP member getting their vaccination?
    Who pays?
    • Designated mass vaccination site
    • Mobile or pop-up clinics
    • Public health unit
    • Designated pharmacy

    Government of the province

    You should not receive any charges. If there is a charge, contact case.mgmt@sunlife.com to handle it.

    Primary care setting (e.g. family doctor, campus clinic)

     

    Community walk-in clinic

     

    You may be out of pocket and charged more than what UHIP reimburses. Complete and submit a claim to Sun Life for reimbursement.

    The maximum UHIP reimbursement when the sole reason for the visit is to receive the vaccine: 

    • If administered by a doctor
      • G700: $7
      • G593: $16.25
      • Total UHIP reimbursement: $23.25
    • If administered by a nurse
      • G700: $5.60
      • G593: $13
      • Total UHIP reimbursement: $18.60

    G700 and G593 = The payable OHIP fee codes when the sole reason to visit is to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. 

     
    Important
    • Similar to Ontario, each province has a public health website with information about the vaccination roll-out plan and eligibility. Bookmark your provincial public health site and check for daily updates to book your vaccine when it becomes available. 
    • Many pharmacies are offering the option of pre-registering. This allows members to have their contact information ready at the pharmacy for when they become eligible for the vaccine. 

    Provincial COVID-19 vaccine information:

    The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented and dynamic situation and we will update this guidance as we become aware of any changes.


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.