February 16, 2022
International students have been welcomed to Canada throughout much of the pandemic; however, this study destination is about to get even more attractive with Canada’s announcement yesterday about lighter border measures. In addition, most Canadian provinces will be easing local COVID-19 restrictions over the coming weeks. Learn more about what’s in store at the Canadian border, and in ILSC and Greystone College’s study destinations in Canada.
Entering Canada: Rapid Antigen Tests accepted from Feb 28 & arrival testing reduced
Starting February 28, 2022, at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time, Canada will begin accepting Rapid Antigen Test results taken the day before a scheduled flight to Canada. Rapid Antigen tests are cheaper and faster to get than PCR tests. PCR tests taken within 72 hours before a scheduled flight will still be accepted.
In addition, Canada will return to random testing upon arrival. Those travelers selected for a random PCR test will not need to quarantine while they await their results.
Please note that the restriction against entry for unvaccinated foreign nationals remains in place. Learn more about the most recent updates in the Government of Canada’s announcement.
Ontario to end Vaccine passports March 1st; Easing many restrictions by Feb 17th
Students coming to our Toronto schools will be happy to hear that Ontario is moving into the next phase of its reopening as soon as February 17th. Upcoming changes will increase social gathering limits in indoor and outdoor settings and public events, and remove limits completely from restaurants and bars, cinemas, and many other venues. The province plans to completely end vaccine passports by March 1st. Learn more about upcoming changes in Ontario.
Quebec to end Vaccine passports by March 14 and slowly ease restrictions over the coming weeks
As students at our Montréal schools know, Quebec has already started lifting a variety of COVID-19 restrictions, and will continue to ease measures over the coming weeks. By March 14th, the use of vaccine passports is slated to end, and most activities will be back to normal capacity. You can see Quebec’s progressive plans to lift restrictions here.
British Columbia lifting most COVID-19 restrictions from midnight, Wednesday, February 16th
Meanwhile, in Vancouver, vaccine passports and masking will remain for now, but most activities will be returning to full capacity starting from midnight, February 16th. Dancing at nightclubs and bars will be allowed again for the first time since the pandemic began! Learn more about changes in British Columbia here.
As Canada looks to transition to a long-term COVID-19 strategy, our schools will continue adapting our approaches to ensure student, staff, teacher, and partner safety in alignment with provincial and federal guidance and best practices. At the same time, we're excited to welcome students to discover the unique and amazing experiences available at our Greystone Colleges and ILSC Language Schools in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver!
