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The entire University community is focused on maintaining a safe and healthy environment on our campuses, preserving your educational experience, and communicating any updates and new information. This page contains information for U of T students regarding the University’s responses and actions related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The University’s full roadmap is available on the Provost’s website.
We’ve also created a video outlining some of the many safety protocols we have put in place as part of our return to school plan.
Graduate Students, please also visit the School of Graduate Studies webpage for specific updates.
All students, please continue to check your U of T email, since you may be receiving emails directly from your divisions, residences, and Deans of Students.
All students should complete a UCheck self-assessment before they come to campus or leave their residence room.
We will continue to update this page with important information for students. Please also continue to check the University of Toronto’s coronavirus updates and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for updates relevant to the whole U of T community.
We know this situation brings uncertainty and stress for everyone – and some will experience this more than others. Please know that if you are struggling, there are resources and supports available.
Article: Managing stress and feelings of powerlessness can be a challenge in times of uncertainty. U of T’s Dr. Suze Berkhout shares seven tips for mentally coping with the challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
We know that your academic pursuits are important to you and the University is committed to maintaining academic continuity. Your academic units are working hard to provide options to help resolve any concerns regarding transfer credits, academics, etc. If you have questions about academic continuity and how your classes are affected during COVID-19, undergraduate students should contact their registrar, and graduate students should contact their program.
U of T My Student Support Program (U of T MySSP) provides University of Toronto students with immediate and/or ongoing confidential, 24-hour support for any school, health, or general life concern at no cost to students. You can call or chat with a counsellor directly from your phone whenever, wherever you are for a range of concerns.
Download the MySSP app: Apple App Store | Google Play and keep reading so that you understand what to expect.
You can also access the service 24/7 by calling 1-844-451-9700. Outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578.
Navi is a Student Mental Health Virtual Agent to help students navigate mental health supports at the University of Toronto. Navi is an anonymous tool for informational purposes which can speak to 48 broad topics related to mental health including: stress, anxiety, loneliness, harassment, discrimination, bullying, academics, career, sleep issues, accessibility, coping techniques, abuse, eating disorders, how to get involved, health care access, and more.
You can access Navi here.
Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Phone: 1-866-797-0000 or TTY: 1-866-797-0007
8:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Call if you have questions about COVID-19. Translation is available in multiple languages.
Telephone: 416-338-7600
TTY: 416-392-0658
Email: PublicHealth@toronto.ca
If you have questions about COVID-19, review the following information, or call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700.
Call centre hours are 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
Last updated: January 18th, 2021 at 10:00am EST
The University has created resources for student preparing to come to campus. These include a video on what to expect when you’re on campus, and a roadmap for a safe U of T experience. All students should monitor their health and complete a self-assessment, such as UCheck before they come to campus.
As a result of recent provincial and local measures, all indoor and outdoor sport and recreation facilities are closed and no in-person programs/events/workshops are being held
However, student services, events and workshops continue to be offered online, so you are able to connect to fantastic content and helpful resources from anywhere.
U of T Libraries has a dedicated student support page where you can find out how to chat with a librarian, do research, find old exams and more.
Information on the status of library buildings and the processes for accessing print materials can be found on the UTogether2020 FAQ page.
Students who are absent from class for any reason (e.g., COVID, other illness or injury, family situation) and who require consideration for missed academic work should report their absence through the online absence declaration. The declaration is available on ACORN under the Profile and Settings menu. Students should also advise their instructor of their absence.
Resources & supports
If you or someone you know is in distress and there is an immediate risk, call 911.
The following includes supports available to students on all three campuses:
Additionally, students have access to U of T My Student Support Program (My SSP) | 1-844-451-9700. Outside of North America, call 001-416-380-6578.
Culturally-competent mental health and counseling services in 146 languages for all U of T students.
Further supports for students may be found on the Mental Health Portal.
Accessibility Services continues to provide support for students and their instructors to deliver academic accommodations. Information on accessibility-related COVID-19 updates and academic accommodations can be found at their home campus accessibility services offices (UTM, UTSC, St. George).
Instructors should continue to work with the offices (listed below) on their campus on the implementation of final exam and assessment accommodations:
The University of Toronto, has outlined the minimum technical requirements (computer specifications), recommended accessories, internet connection and frequently asked questions about learning remotely.
If you’re unable to afford the recommended technology, please contact your college or divisional registrar, or the School of Graduate Studies (for graduate students), for information about financial support. Grants or bursaries may be available for students requiring financial assistance.
See U of T News story for Six remote learning tips for U of T Students.
Yes. You can authenticate your TCard and get your U of T email address before arriving. Having these tools will make it easier for you to connect with U of T and access resources. For full information, visit https://tcard.utoronto.ca/. You can pick up your physical T-Card when you arrive on campus.
Last updated: December 2nd, 2020 at 11:35am EST
Please note that Question 1 is also posted on the main U of T COVID-19 FAQ page.
For Fall 2020 and Winter 2021, students continue to have access to supports including Health and Wellness, career centres and academic support offices. A range of programming continues to be offered online by Hart House and sport and recreation staff on all three campuses including online fitness classes, nutrition discussions, virtual board game cafes and workshops. These services are being provided at a reduced fee. Most programming and services continue on-line or through video calls, phone calls, and other means. In person services will also be offered wherever possible in accordance with public health, government, and university guidelines.
For the Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 sessions, there are no changes to planned tuition fees. All academic programs continue through alternative delivery modes and some include in-person components where possible in accordance with public health, government, and university guidelines. Students will receive academic credit for their courses. In some cases, ancillary fees have been reduced or eliminated.
Some incidental fees (student services and student societies, have been reduced). Please see additional information below.
We encourage students who are facing financial hardship to visit this Funding Opportunity Directory. Undergraduate students can also contact their college or divisional registrar to apply for emergency bursaries, and graduate students can contact the School of Graduate Studies.
Student service fees (including fees for Student Life, Hart House and athletics & recreation) have been reduced. The services offered at each campus and the incidental fees charged vary by campus. The fees charged reflect the local needs and costs of the various campuses and any special programs within them. Most programming and services continue on-line or through video calls, phone calls, and other means. In-person services are also offered wherever possible in accordance with public health, government, and university guidelines.
Fee reductions apply to all students that are registered and are specific to the campus at which you are registered.
St. George: KPE Sports & Rec fee is reduced by 30%.; Hart House fee is reduced by 20%; Student Life fee is reduced by 10%.
UTM: UTM Athletics fee is reduced by 25%. KPE Sports & Rec fee is reduced by 30%.; Hart House fee is reduced by 20%; Student Services fee is reduced by 35% (reduction includes the fee for the shuttle service’s suspension).
UTSC: UTSC Athletics & Recreation fee is reduced by 40%; KPE Sports & Rec fee is reduced by 30%.; Hart House fee is reduced by 20%; Student Services fee is reduced by 25%.
Some student societies have also reduced their fees. Please check your invoice and with the society directly for additional information.
Given these uncertain times, the student services have closely considered their programs and services for the fall term and have made reductions as follows:
Athletics: When permitted by public health authorities, athletics and recreation programs, facilities and services run by KPE Sport & Rec, UTM Athletics, UTSC Athletics and Hart House will be available in the winter term for in-person offerings as permitted. Please consult the websites for the most up-to-date status as conditions may change based on public health directives. An abundance of on-line options for physical activity, recreation and wellness continue throughout the winter break and the winter term.
Hart House: When and as permitted by public health regulations and guidelines, Hart House and the Hart House Farm are open for limited, pre-registered use by students of all three UofT campuses. Meanwhile, a wide array of both synchronous and asynchronous on-line student programming focused around the arts, dialogue, wellness and community engagement is being offered.
Student Services: All three campus Student Services have waived (St. George) or reduced (UTM and UTSC) the cost of space provided for student services and organizations. Some spaces may be available for students with appropriate physical distancing in place.
UTM student services have also waived the fee for the shuttle service while it is suspended.
UTSC has also reduced some of their fees related to space costs, such as space for athletic clubs.
Information regarding incidental fees is included in the student account information available through the Student Web Service. The University of Toronto charges and posts separate compulsory non-tuition fees in order to be transparent about the fees students pay. This enables students to become aware of services and organizations for which they are charged. The reductions in Fall 2020 fees have already been applied to your invoice.
Fees charged for student and campus services provided by the University and its student societies are established on the understanding that all students will contribute to the cost of these services. This is the only way to calculate fair and equitable fees to support the services and programs that all universities offer. These fees are assessed as a function of a student’s academic registration in a program. Student services fees are not refundable and include both campus-specific and university services such as health and counselling departments, academic support, career centres, Hart House, and athletics and recreation services.
The U-Pass service, offering unlimited fare-free rides on MiWay (Mississauga Transit), will be maintained for UTM students (excluding the MMPA and MFAcc programs) through the academic year of September 2020 – April 2021 by the University of Toronto Mississauga Students’ Union and the University of Toronto Mississauga Association for Graduate Students.
MiWay, Brampton Transit, Oakville Transit, GO Transit and the Toronto Transit Commission municipal services are expected to continue operations. The Brampton Transit express service between the Brampton Gateway Terminal and UTM will be suspended.
The UTM shuttle services to/from the St. George campus and Sheridan College is suspended through the academic year of September 2020 – April 2021 and no related fee for that period will be assessed.
Most graduate students at UTM are assessed the costs for the summer shuttle fee in the fall and winter terms in advance of summer term.
Last updated: January 25th, 2021 at 4:25pm EST
The University is providing support for students arriving from outside Canada who must complete a mandatory quarantine.
NOTE: As of January 7, 2021, the Government of Canada requires a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding your flight. A Canadian Government accepted COVID-19 test must be taken within 72 hours of departure of the international flight which will arrive directly in Canada. Please refer to IRCC’s FAQ on pre-departure testing for details on specific situations. Please ensure that your documentation of the test complies with the Government of Canada requirements. You must retain evidence of your test results for the 14-day period that begins on the day you enter Canada.
Additionally, free COVID-19 tests are available at Pearson Airport for inbound international travellers. This is a voluntary pilot program only. Inbound international travellers can register to participate in the program at torontopearson.com/testing. Registration can be done in advance of arrival at the airport or upon arrival at Toronto Pearson airport. does not replace the required negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to your departing flight.
Also refer to the list of exceptions. Please contact your airline for further details. A mandatory 14-day quarantine is still required upon arrival in Canada.
A mandatory 14-day quarantine is still required upon arrival in Canada as is a COVID-19 test during the quarantine period.
There are two options in this mandatory program, both of which offer regular health checks and access to programming and other relevant information: The Full UofT Program and the “At-Home” program for students who have their own suitable location in which to quarantine.
As part of the Full program, the University will provide:
As part of the At-Home program, students will receive:
Registration for the At-Home and Full program is available at starrez.utoronto.ca (students will need to login using their JOIN/UTORid). Currently registration is available for arrivals up until March 31st. An update will be provided regarding quarantine support beyond the end of March on this website and StarRez on March 15th.
Students will need to sign and agree to comply with self-isolation protocols aligned with relevant government guidance, and remain in their rooms for the 14-day period. Guests will not be allowed during this time.
Students arriving for mandatory quarantine are now required by the Ontario government to be tested for COVID-19 during their quarantine period. UofT has arranged for testing for those quarantining in our accommodations and will provide information on how students can be tested at local pharmacies or assessment centres when quarantining At-Home.
More information is provided in the frequently asked questions below. For further information please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca.
If you are arriving from outside of Canada, a 14-day quarantine is currently required upon arrival in Canada. The Government of Canada has outlined the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travelers to Canada. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. This applies to all travellers to Canada regardless of the country of origin. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act and has the potential to lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
As part of our caring community approach, UofT is offering spaces for students to fulfill the mandatory quarantine requirements set up by the Government of Canada and to support students’ overall health and safety. If you are quarantining in your own space off campus, register with the U of T Quarantine “At-Home” Program through StarRez.
Students must download the ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) and provide the information two days in advance of flight; students will be required to provide information including their mandatory quarantine information.
The University has arranged for 14-day mandatory quarantine spaces for new and returning students who need to self-isolate after arriving in Canada. Transportation will be provided from Toronto Pearson Airport to your designated quarantine location. The University will provide students with self-isolation protocols, aligned with relevant government guidance, on which students will be required to sign off. Students will be provided with hand soap and sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, masks, and other supplies as needed. Food delivery (3 meals per day) will be arranged. Students will need to remain in their rooms for the 14-day period and not have any guests during this time.
Students will be connected with their home division and provided with information about online activities and events that they can access during their quarantine period. Staff will also provide COVID-19 physical health check-ins, including a virtual daily check-in coordinated by a nurse from a U of T student health centre. Students arriving for mandatory quarantine are now required by the Ontario government to be tested for COVID-19 during their quarantine period
Yes, the University will facilitate access to quarantine space for students who will not be residing in residence but require a location to quarantine, as per the Federal Government’s requirements. Please be sure to register and confirm the dates of availability of the UofT quarantine space before finalizing travel plans.
With some limited exceptions, the University is covering the costs for students in the U of T 14-day mandatory full quarantine accommodation program. A cancellation fee of $350 will be charged if registration is not cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the stated arrival time. Students who are turned away at point of entry will not be charged a cancellation fee.
Students who are moving to Canada with a spouse/children will need to cover the costs of their dependent family members needing the 14-day quarantine. Please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca for more information about this.
If the completion of the quarantine period occurs prior to the student’s residence move-in date, students may be required to pay a fee if they choose to remain at the quarantine location (subject to availability) until they are able to move into residence. Students will need to confirm the availability of space. To do so, please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca.
With limited exceptions, the University will cover the costs of the U of T 14-day mandatory quarantine accommodation if you have not previously completed a required quarantine in the full UofT program. However, if you are required to quarantine again at a later date (e.g. if you leave and return to Canada), you will be required to cover the cost of the additional quarantine(s). If you are in need of financial assistance to help with the costs of quarantine, please apply for financial assistance.
If you are quarantining in your own space, register with the Non-U of T Quarantine “At-Home” Program through StarRez.
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act and outlined the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travellers to Canada. This applies to all travellers to Canada without exception. Details on what is required under this act can be found from the Canadian Government.
You will receive a health check, connections with your academic division for information on programming and orientation during your quarantine, and other downloadable resources.
If you are in need of financial assistance to help with the costs of quarantine, you can apply to the U of T Undergraduate Emergency Grant or the School of Graduate Studies Emergency Grant Program.
The Ontario government requires all students arriving in Canada who are coming to Ontario to be tested towards the end of their quarantine period, no matter where they complete their quarantine. We strongly recommend U of T students arriving in Canada complete their quarantine in the UofT Quarantine Accommodations Program. If you are completing your quarantine elsewhere, register for the At-Home / Non-U of T quarantine program. Information on how to get your COVID-19 test will be provided once you have arrived in Canada.
An application form is available at starrez.utoronto.ca (students will need to login using their JOIN/UTORid).
Unfortunately, the University cannot provide self-isolation facilities for accompanying family members who are helping a student move to Toronto. There are many hotels close to U of T’s campuses where accompanying family members should be able to book space. While your immediate family members (spouse or common-law partner, dependent child parent or step-parent and guardian or tutor) may be able to come with you to Canada they must show that their reasons for travel are non-discretionary (non-optional). For example, that they will help you get established and support you in Canada. The decision about whether their entry is non-discretionary will be made by the Border Services Officer. If their entry is considered non-discretionary, they must also have a plan to quarantine for 14-days. If those accompanying you cannot remain in Canada for the 14-day self-isolation period, at this point they will not be permitted to enter.
Parents (foreign nationals/US citizens) who wish to accompany their student(s) to campus will not be permitted to enter Canada from the United States unless the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) deems your trip to be essential. We strongly encourage individuals to contact CBSA before attempting to cross the border to come to campus. Also, at this time anyone entering Canada will have to plan to remain in Canada for the 14-day isolation that the Federal Government has outlined in the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travellers to Canada.
Students should bring at least 14-days of any medication they will need during the quarantine period. Remember to keep all medication and key documents with you in your carry-on bag. As you will be going from the airport to the quarantine location, you will need to keep all your checked luggage with you.
If a student living off-campus needs to self-isolate and cannot do so where they are living, the University will provide self-isolation/quarantine accommodation at cost. This will include a room with private washroom, three meals delivered daily, regular health checks, and residence life support and programming. Please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca.
Students will need to sign self-isolation protocols aligned with relevant government guidance, and remain in their rooms for the 14-day period. Guests will not be allowed during this time.
If you are in need of financial assistance to help with the costs of self-isolation/quarantine, you can apply to the U of T Undergraduate Emergency Grant or the School of Graduate Studies Emergency Grant Program.
If you are arriving from outside of Canada, a 14-day quarantine is currently required upon arrival in Canada. The Government of Canada has outlined the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travellers to Canada. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. This applies to all travellers to Canada regardless of the country of origin. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act and has the potential to lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
The University will facilitate access to quarantine accommodations to IVGS students at cost.
To apply, as an IVGS student, and receive more information regarding the quarantine accommodations (such as costs & services provided), please contact (info.quarantine@utoronto.ca).
If you are arriving from outside of Canada, a 14-day quarantine is currently required upon arrival in Canada. The Government of Canada has outlined the requirements for Mandatory Quarantine for Travelers to Canada. In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. This applies to all travellers to Canada regardless of the country of origin. Failure to comply with this order is an offence under the Quarantine Act and has the potential to lead to significant fines or imprisonment.
The University can provide you with resources in order to complete your quarantine including lists of hotels and food delivery services. Please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca for more information.
Last updated January 15th, 2020 at 3:25pm EST
As of January 14, 2021 the Province of Ontario has imposed a “stay-at-home” order. This means that you should only leave your residence for essential purposes. The government has defined essential as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work and attending in-person classes that have been deemed essential.
We encourage students to only travel outside of the residence community for essential purposes, and to limit contacts with members outside of your residence community. This would include travel to home communities during the period of the stay-at-home order.
We’ve implemented measures to ensure safe access to residence amenities and spaces. This includes enhanced cleaning, additional signage, limiting capacity, requiring masks and spacing of furniture. We may be required to limit access to these spaces as per public health guidelines and will be working closely with our residence communities if this does occur.
Our residence staff members are working hard to ensure students feel connected, engaged, and academically supported in their residence communities through fun, virtual events and, where possible in compliance with public health directives, small in-person activities.
Additionally, student services, events and workshops continue to be offered online, so you are able to connect from anywhere.
Students in residences must comply with the Ontario government’s regulations limiting the size of social gatherings. They are made aware of these regulations through regular communications and signs in common spaces. When there are instances where gathering limits are exceeded, students are reminded of this information and asked to reduce the gathering size to meet these limits.
Last updated January 20th, 2021 at 12:20pm EST
As of October 20, 2020, international students meeting the conditions listed below will be able to come to Canada regardless of the date of issue of their study permit, approval letter, or the country from which they are travelling.
NOTE: As of January 7, 2021, the Government of Canada requires a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding your flight. A Canadian Government accepted COVID-19 test must be taken within 72 hours of departure of the international flight which will arrive directly in Canada. Please refer to IRCC’s FAQ on pre-departure testing for details on specific situations. Please ensure that your documentation of the test complies with the Government of Canada requirements.
Also refer to the Government of Canada’s website regarding travel restrictions for flying to and within Canada as well as a list of exceptions. Please contact your airline for further details.
Additionally, free COVID-19 tests are available at Pearson Airport for inbound international travellers. This is a voluntary pilot program only. Inbound international travellers can register to participate in the program at torontopearson.com/testing. Registration can be done in advance of arrival at the airport or upon arrival at Toronto Pearson airport. This does not replace the required negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to your departing flight.
A mandatory 14-day quarantine is still required upon arrival in Canada as is a COVID-19 test during the quarantine period.
In addition, all of the following requirements must be met:
Students meeting these requirements are considered to have a non-discretionary reason to enter Canada.
Dependents who are coming to live with the international student in Canada are also considered to have a non-discretionary reason for travel; however, short-term visitors to Canada are still not permitted to enter for the foreseeable future.
For more details visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html#exemptions.
If you have further questions about your right to enter Canada after reviewing the information above, each campus has a team of advisors that can answer your questions.
Mississauga international.utm@utoronto.ca
Scarborough isc@utsc.utoronto.ca
St. George isa.cie@utoronto.ca
We recommend that you register for one of the webinars offered by our International Student Immigration Advisors. Our International Centres at each campus are offering webinars for newly-admitted students on applying for a study permit for the first time. Follow the links below:
Non-essential travel between Canada and the USA is currently suspended. Travelling to the US-Canada border to apply for a work or study permit is considered non-essential travel and you’ll be turned away from the border if you attempt to do so.
Your study permit grants you legal status in Canada and controls what you can do and for how long. A temporary resident visa (TRV), or electronic travel authorization (eTA), is what allows you to enter Canada, depending on your citizenship. Make sure your study permit doesn’t expire while you’re still studying whether you’re in Canada or away temporarily.
Check the expiry date right now. The best thing to do is apply for a study permit extension several months before the expiry date. Learn how to apply by attending one of the CIE “apply online” webinars. Your temporary resident visa (TRV), or electronic travel authorization (eTA), may expire while you’re in Canada, but you must have a valid one for re-entry. Once a study permit has been extended, students from visa-required countries may then apply for a TRV to match their study permit’s new expiry in a separate application.
Yes. You can authenticate your TCard and get your U of T email address before arriving. Having these tools will make it easier for you to connect with U of T and access resources. For full information, visit https://tcard.utoronto.ca/. You can pick up your physical T-Card when you arrive on campus.
Final approval can only be granted when all required documents have been assessed by and Immigration Officer. The approval-in-principle does not guarantee a final approval. In the meantime, online studies can continue from outside of Canada without a study permit.
Last updated October 2nd, 2020 at 5:30pm EST
You can begin your program through online courses outside Canada, even if your study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA) have not yet been processed. Remember you should apply for these documents now.
Online studies can continue from outside of Canada without a study permit. You can therefore continue to study while you work on your response to the refusal. You can also speak with an immigration advisor for your campus about your options.
Apply for a study permit as soon as possible so you will be ready to join in-person classes when you are able. You can begin your studies remotely in September if you are unable to be on campus for any reason.
Last updated November 5th, 2020 at 11:00am EST
All students are encouraged, if possible, to avoid international travel right now because it may be difficult to re-enter Canada, as pandemic circumstances change frequently. If you do need to return home, please review your study permit and other immigration documents for the expiry date before you leave the county.
If your study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV), or electronic travel authorization (eTA), are still valid for your planned return to Canada, you’ll have to provide confirmation of enrolment at UofT, proof of sufficient funding for studies in Canada and submit travel and contact information, quarantine plan and COVID-19 symptom self-assessment to the Government of Canada via the ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) or the accessible web app.
Please note that the University is covering the costs for students’ initial U of T 14-day mandatory quarantine accommodation. However, if you are required to quarantine again at a later date (e.g. if you leave and return to Canada), you will be required to cover the cost of the additional quarantine(s). If you are in need of financial assistance to help with the costs of quarantine, please apply for financial assistance.
If your study permit, temporary resident visa (TRV), or electronic travel authorization (eTA), expire before your return to Canada, you should be aware of new procedures regarding applying for a new temporary resident visa (TRV) or electronic travel authorization (eTA). This is particularly important if you’ve already applied for a study permit extension because there are additional actions you must take. You may speak with the international student immigration advisors on your home campus (UTM, UTSC, or St. George to work out what you need to do in this situation. You can book a phone or virtual appointment or email.
If you had a study permit while you were studying and you want to continue studying, you need to extend your study permit.
If you didn’t have a study permit while you were studying, and won’t continue studying, you should extend your stay as a visitor. As a visitor, your legal status usually expires six months from the date you entered Canada.
If you didn’t have a study permit while you were studying and would like to continue studying, you need to apply for a study permit. First-time study permit applications can’t always be submitted within Canada. Please book an appointment with an international student immigration advisor to discuss the details of your situation.
Last updated January 18th, 2021 at 4:30pm EST
There are no changes to UHIP coverage due to COVID-19, but specific questions can be addressed to uhip.information@utoronto.ca. Staff members from the international centres on all three campuses are working remotely and continue to answer questions and support the needs of international students.
UHIP is a basic health insurance plan that allows international students to access health care in Ontario and covers doctor visits, hospitalizations and other services. International students are also registered in supplementary health plans offered by their student unions, which can also be found on the UHIP page. Supplementary plans cover prescription medications, corrective lenses, dental care as well as other medically required needs.
If you’re exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and are unsure if you have UHIP coverage, please follow the advice of public health authorities, take the self-assessment and then contact uhip.information@utoronto.ca. The Government of Ontario has confirmed that COVID-19 treatment will be available for all those currently in Ontario.
If you are studying remotely outside of Canada:
International students studying remotely outside of Canada for the full Winter 2021 term can apply to dis-enroll from UHIP. Guidelines on how to dis-enroll are available on the UHIP page. If you are unable to submit a winter application or your location plans have changed, please email uhip.information@utoronto.ca. .
If you are studying remotely in another Canadian province (not Ontario):
International students studying outside Ontario in another province within Canada are ineligible for UHIP dis-enrolment. UHIP coverage for students studying remotely outside of Ontario, within Canada, is the same for students residing in Ontario as it is for students studying in other provinces and territories in Canada. Please contact uhip.information@utoronto.ca for more information.
Yes. International students who dis-enroll from UHIP but arrive in Ontario prior to the end of the winter semester are required to re-enroll in UHIP. International students must contact the UHIP office immediately upon their arrival at uhip.information@utoronto.ca.
If you have active UHIP coverage as an international student, your coverage is not affected by COVID-19.
On March 20, the provincial government announced that it is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. The province also announced that it will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who don’t meet the criteria for OHIP coverage.
If you are enrolled at U of T as an international student you will be automatically enrolled in UHIP. If you are enrolled at U of T as a Canadian citizen, you will not be automatically enrolled in UHIP. As a Canadian citizen who will be residing in Ontario, you are eligible for the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP) and can apply directly for the Ontario Health Insurance Program via Services Ontario. Please note that as of March 19, 2020, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for OHIP coverage so you can apply and be enrolled immediately on successful completion of the application. You will need to complete the downloadable form, and provide three types of documents. Please note that as per the full list of documents for proof of Ontario residency, your U of T academic record or your off–campus lease or residence contract are considered valid documents. You are required to apply for OHIP in person at a Service Ontario centre. If you are self-isolating and cannot go to Service Ontario to register for coverage, please contact ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161. INFOline staff will advise on next steps as appropriate.
Last updated January 13th, 2020 at 10:25am EST
Your PGWP eligibility will not be affected if you start your fall 2020 courses online due to COVID-19. You may begin your fall classes online while outside Canada and complete up to 50% of your program through distance learning if you can’t travel to Canada sooner. Also, you won’t have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada up to April 30, 2021. Students who complete 100% of their program online are still eligible for a PGWP, if the program is between 8 and 12 months in length and the student started their program outside of Canada between May and September 2020. Please note that this only applies if the student has submitted an application for a study permit prior to beginning their program.
If you are a returning student and your in-class courses are moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, your eligibility won’t be affected. This includes students who have a study permit or who have been approved for a study permit for a program starting in May or June but are unable to travel to Canada due to travel restrictions. International students in this situation may begin their classes while outside Canada and may complete up to 50 percent of their program while outside Canada if they cannot travel to Canada sooner. Students who complete 100% of their program online are still eligible for a PGWP, if the program is between 8 and 12 months in length and the student started their program outside of Canada between May and September 2020. Please note that this only applies if the student has submitted an application for a study permit prior to beginning their program.
If you choose to defer your semester, this could impact your eligibility for the Post-Graduate Work Permit, or invalidate your existing application. Please book an appointment to speak to an immigration advisor on your home campus (UTM, UTSC or St. George) to work out what you need to do in this situation. You can book a phone or virtual appointment or email.
If you want to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you have 180 days from completing your degree program to do so. The best thing to do is apply within 90 days of completing your degree program, so that you’re able to remain in Canada and start working while awaiting approval.
Your study permit automatically becomes invalid 90 days from the date you complete your degree requirements (I.e. get your final grades), despite any future expiry date printed on the permit. This means that you must apply to change your legal status to a visitor if you’re not planning to apply for the work permit within 90 days of degree program completion. You won’t be able to work during the processing time of your work permit if you don’t apply within 90 days from completing your degree requirements.
You may speak with the international student immigration advisors on your home campus (UTM, UTSC or St. George) to work out what you need to do in this situation. You can book a phone or virtual appointment or email
From January 27 to July 27, 2021, former international students in Canada with an expired or expiring PGWP can apply for another open work permit. These open work permits will be valid for 18 months and allow former international students to remain in Canada and continue to seek employment.
Last updated: January 12th at 9:00am EST
As of January 1, 2021, the University of Toronto has extended the cancellation of future University activity to international locations for all students until August 31st, 2021. This decision was made in line with Canadian Government travel advisories, given the changing and continuing nature of the current pandemic. University activities abroad on or after September 1, 2021 are scheduled to continue at this time, but please keep in mind that conditions created by the pandemic may require changes. If you’re able to postpone or shift your travel to a later date or undertake your activity remotely and without travelling internationally, please work with your academic unit to arrange to do so. If you’re unable to change your plans, please note that, regrettably, your activity is cancelled. We are making this decision early so that you can make alternate plans for your summer. We know that your academic pursuits are important to you and the University is committed to maintaining academic continuity. Your academic unit will work with you to help you build an alternate plan for the summer.
PhD students planning to travel abroad for dissertation research during this time should review the implication of lock down measures on international travel on the VPRI site. If the research activity is permissible according to those guidelines, PhD students should then contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca for further information. Given the current situation, there are significant travel restrictions and it will be difficult for you to make travel arrangements. We encourage you to postpone or shift your travel to a later date or undertake your research remotely if you’re able to do so. If your work abroad can be carried out safely and in consideration of government advisories regarding travel, and VPRI requirements, you may be able to proceed. Safety Abroad will work with you, your supervisor, and your academic unit to minimize disruption to your research.
We’ll continue to update this page with the most current information we have.
We understand this is an anxious time for you and can appreciate the stress you must be under through this evolving situation. If you are still abroad and would like support in returning to Canada or your home now, please contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.
If you have not already done so, please email us at safety.abroad@utoronto.ca to let us know that you’re now safely home and following public guidelines regarding self-isolation. Please consult our FAQs for further details. If you are an exchange student, please copy learning.abroad@utoronto.ca on your message.
If you have questions about travel related expenses incurred as a result of the University’s COVID-19 recall of all students abroad, please refer to this comprehensive directory of financial support available during the pandemic.
If you have additional questions not addressed here or have questions about your specific situation, please reach out to us at safety.abroad@utoronto.ca.
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