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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).
We have created a UTogether2020: Student Roadmap outlining principles and considerations and have posted a COVID-19 Guidelines for Students video. 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: Thursday October 2nd at 4:20pm 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 UCheck self-assessment before they come to campus or leave their residence room
As the University gradually welcomes student back to campus, limited programming and events are resuming on-campus, including fitness classes and intramurals. Prior to participation in on-campus activities, please complete a self-assessment using UCheck.
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 here.
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.
Accessibility Services continues to provide support for students and their instructors to deliver academic accommodations. Accessibility-related COVID-19 updates can be found here:
Students with disabilities seeking academic accommodations should continue to contact the Accessibility Services office on their campus to receive support.
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: October 2nd at 4:20pm EST
Please note that Question 1 is also posted on the main U of T COVID-19 FAQ page.
For Fall 2020, 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 session, 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 for Fall 2020 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.
We will be posting updated information about Winter 2021 fees later in the fall term.
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: Intramurals and varsity sports will not be available for the fall term. However, some athletics facilities run by KPE Sport & Rec, UTM Athletics, UTSC Athletics and Hart House are open in the fall term with in-person offerings as permitted. On-line options for physical activity, recreation and wellness will continue throughout the term.
Hart House: Hart House and the Hart House Farm are open for limited use during the fall term, including for some athletics, as noted above, and for student events with appropriate physical distancing in place. A wide array of on-line student programming focused around the arts, dialogue, wellness and community engagement will also continue to be 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.
At the time the fees were assessed, the University expected that all services and programs would resume in January 2021 and therefore full costs were charged. The University will be reviewing these fees.
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) in the fall term 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 throughout the fall term. 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 will be suspended and the related fee for Fall 2020 waived.
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: Thursday October 2nd at 4:20pm EST
The University is providing support for students arriving from outside Canada who must complete a mandatory quarantine.
As part of this program, the University will provide:
An application form is available at starrez.utoronto.ca (students will need to login using their JOIN/UTORid).
Students will need to sign and agree to comply with on 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.
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, including quarantining in another Province before coming to Toronto, register with the Non-U of T Quarantine “At Home” Program through StarRez.
Students should download the ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) and provide the information two days in advance of flight; students will be required to provide contact and mandatory quarantine information.
Rooms for quarantine are currently available. Please be sure to register and confirm the dates of availability of the UofT quarantine space before finalizing travel plans.
An application form is available at starrez.utoronto.ca (students will need to login using their JOIN/UTORid).
The University has arranged for 14-day mandatory quarantine (self-isolation) in UTM residences or hotel space 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.
Yes, the University will facilitate access to quarantine space for students who will not be residing in residence during Fall 2020 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.
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, you should register for the At Home / Non-U of T quarantine program. Information on how to you will get your COVID-19 test will be provided once you have arrived in Canada.
The University is covering the costs for students in the U of T 14-day mandatory quarantine accommodation. 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 hotel (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.
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. Please keep in mind that if you are a foreign national wishing to accompany your student, you will need prior written permission from Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada to enter the country as well a plan to quarantine for 14 days. If you are a Canadian citizen accompanying a student and you cannot remain in Canada for the 14-day period of self-isolation, at this point, you 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 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.
If you are quarantining in your own space, including quarantining in another province before coming to Toronto, 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 at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
You will receive a health check, connections with your academic division for information on programming and orientation during your quarantine, and other downloadable resources.
First, register for the At Home /Non-U of T program before your arrival to Canada. If you are already here, please register to be placed in the program right away. You will be provided with information on COVID-19 testing locations during your regular health check-ins.
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.
Information about applying for the University’s mandatory quarantine programs for those arriving after December 1st, will be posted shortly.
The University’s quarantine accommodation programs (Full UofT Program and the At Home / Non-U of T quarantine program) are running through the fall 2020 term. Currently, we are accepting applications with arrival dates up to December 1, 2020. Although the current emergency orders under the Quarantine Act are set to expire October 21, 2020, the Government of Canada has extended them several times.
No. 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.
Last updated October 2nd, 5:30pm
Residence is an important part of the university experience and we’re excited to be welcoming students to campus. If you applied to live in residence, your experience will be a little different than what you imagined, but our goal is to make your residence life as fulfilling as possible and to support you every step of the way.
Individuals seeking graduate housing or student family housing are invited to refer to the following websites for more information: St. George Campus: Graduate House and Student Family Housing. UTM: Graduate and Medical Housing and Family Housing. UTSC: please call the office at 416-287-7365 residences@utsc.utoronto.ca.
For information about the Principles & Considerations for Fall 2020 Residence Offers to First-Year Students visit the UTogether2020: Student Roadmap Information page on this site.
Did you miss the St. George campus information sessions for first-year students who’ve applied for Fall 2020 residence? Not to worry, we recorded the sessions. You can view the first session here and the second session here.
We anticipate that we’ll be able to provide accommodation for all first-year students who need residence and we’re committed to ensuring that all students who receive and accept our offer are housed.
Yes. We’re reducing our capacity so that we can assign single rooms to all incoming students for at least the first semester, in consultation with our local public health unit. Requests from siblings and close friends who wish to share a double room will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
We’re working hard to implement several safety measures to help students stay safe and healthy in residence. These measures meet and, in some cases, exceed the recommendation set by public health officials. They include:
All campus dining outlets have put measures in place to ensure food safety for students. Please refer to the meal plan websites for your residence or contact the residence directly for more information.
University of Toronto Mississauga
Students who need to fulfill the 14-day mandatory quarantine period are encouraged to do so via the University’s Quarantine Accomodation program. In most cases, the quarantine will not take place in your residence. Information on the Quarantine Accommodation program can be found here.
The University has developed Principles for 14-day mandatory quarantine for students entering Canada as part of the broader UTogether2020: Roadmap for U of T.
Living in residence offers students numerous opportunities to meet and interact with peers, explore the campus environment, be part of a community, and find enriching experiences that go beyond the classroom. We will be providing a mix of virtual and in-person activities and invite you to explore the various activities your residences have to offer that will provide memorable experiences only available on campus.
We understand that for many students the decision to come to campus and residence remains uncertain for a variety of reasons, and that you may need a bit more time to make a final decision about coming to residence in January.
To support this, we have extended the refund deadline to Friday, October 30th, 2020 at 11:59 PM EST.
If your decision about coming to residence for January changes, login to StarRez and cancel your application by October 30 at 11:59 PM ET to receive a refund of your second deposit of $1,400. Your first deposit of $600 is not refundable at this point.
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.
The residence life team carefully assesses carefully assessing activities and events to ensure they met public health guidelines and government regulations.In all cases, they work closely with the organizers to ensure that they are following the recommended public health guidelines which includes physical distancing and masks in common indoor spaces. In cases where students would like to organize their own activities, the residence life team will work closely with these individuals to support them in the planning.
Whether it’s fitness, arts and culture, or other areas of interest, our teams are working hard to offer a variety of experiences that will take place outdoors and, at times, in residence spaces with smaller groups. Some examples may include walking tours, outdoor sports activities, and online board games.
Your campus-specific Accessibility Services Office is able to assist if you have specific questions or concerns. You can contact your campus-specific office:
No, the First Year Guarantee is only for your first year at UofT. Some residences have limited spaces for upper year students and you would be eligible to apply for those.
Last updated October 2nd, 5:30pm
We’ve implemented measures to ensure safe access to residence amenities and spaces. This includes enhanced cleaning, additional signage, limiting capacity, 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 small in-person activities.
Last updated October 21st, 11:00am
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.
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, 5:30pm
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 October 2nd, 5:30pm
All students are encouraged, if possible, to avoid international travel right now because it may be difficult to re-enter Canada. 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), were issued before or on March 18, 2020 and will still be valid for your return to Canada, you’ll also need an essential reason to return to Canada and a clear plan for where you will isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Canada. Right now, the final decision on what is “essential” is made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival.
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 October 2nd, 5:30pm
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.
Yes. International students studying remotely outside of Ontario for the full fall 2020 term can apply to dis-enrol from UHIP. Guidelines on how to dis-enrol are available on the UHIP page. Applications will be open from October 1, 2020 and will close November 1, 2020.
Yes. International students who dis-enrol from UHIP but arrive in Ontario prior to the end of the fall semester are required to re-enrol in UHIP. International students must contact the UHIP office immediately upon 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.
Last updated October 2nd, 5:30pm
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 December 31, 2020. 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 if you’re considering this option:
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
Questions updated: September 28th, 2020 at 1:20pm EST
As of September 28, 2020, the University of Toronto has extended the cancellation of future University activity to international locations for all students until April 30, 2021. University activities abroad on or after May 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 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 January semester. 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 January.
PhD students planning to travel abroad for dissertation research during this time should contact safety.abroad@utoronto.ca. 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 if you’re able to do so. If your work abroad can be carried out safely and in consideration of government advisories regarding travel, 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.