International Student COVID-19 FAQ

International applicants may defer admission if experiencing study permit delays from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Proof of study permit application and current status are required for consideration. The deadline to submit a deferral request is the tuition payment deadline for the term you are scheduled to start your program. Deferral requests are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

View Admissions Deferral for full details on deferral requests, including eligibility, timelines, and how to request an admission deferral.

As per the Government of Canada, on October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, mandatory use of ArriveCAN, and any testing and quarantine or isolation requirements, ended for all travellers entering Canada by land, air, or sea. The Government of Canada is working on updating this information. Please familiarize yourself the best you can with the Government of Canada website to learn more about the changes to travel restrictions. Please note that Travel Support Letters are no longer required to enter Canada.

No. IRCC has confirmed that if your program was moved online due to COVID-19, the conditions and eligibility of your study permit are not affected.

You can request a COVID-19 Mode of Delivery letter which outlines how your program and classes were impacted by COVID-19, including changing from in-person delivery to an online or blended learning format.

To request a COVID-19 Mode of Delivery letter, submit a Contact Form request. Select topic: Enrolment/Education Verification, and subcategory: COVID-19 Mode of Delivery letter.

If you are in Canada:

If your program was offered in an online-only format due to COVID-19, your PGWP may not be impacted. If you have classes in your program that can be taken in-person, it is suggested that you take these classes in-person in order to remain eligible for your post-graduation work permit. For questions about this, it is suggested you connect with IRCC directly at 1-888-242-2100.

If you are outside of Canada:

Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the permission to study outside of Canada to August 31, 2023 with limited impact to PGWP. The amount of your program you’re permitted to study outside of Canada is dependent on when you started your program. If you started your program:

• Before August 31, 2022: you can study 100% of your program online from outside Canada (if permitted by your program).
• After August 31, 2022: you can study up to 50% of your program from outside Canada, but will be required to study the other 50% inside Canada. You can only start/continue your studies from your home country if your program is completely online. Please review program delivery.

International students will be eligible to receive the vaccine as per Alberta’s immunization program. Individuals who are living, working or going to school in Alberta will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge.

You can find more information on the Government of Alberta COVID-19 vaccine website and in the government’s vaccine Q&A.

If necessary, Alberta Health Services (AHS) can extend your coverage for 90 days from when your study permit expires, if you have applied to extend your study permit. To receive the extension, you can call the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) at 780-427-1432.

NOTE: All international students will be covered for COVID-19 related medical assistance regardless of whether they have health insurance coverage.

For further questions, please complete an immigration inquiry through nait.ca/help.

International students may have access to the following supports:

• NAIT’s funding options.

  • To explore all of the possible funding options available for you, please complete the Student Information Form and submit to our Funding Advisor.

• NAITSA Food Bank

• Edmonton Food Bank

For further questions, please complete an immigration inquiry through nait.ca/help.

Yes. Our International Focused Counsellor is taking phone and video appointments at this time. To book an appointment, please contact counselling@nait.ca.