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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).
As we kick off Fall 2020 and the gradual return to our campuses, we have created a UTogether2020: Student Roadmap outlining principles and considerations. 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.
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.
U of T has partnered with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to launch an online discussion forum where University of Toronto students can share stories about how they are dealing with their new reality.
This online peer-to-peer discussion offers space for support, encouragement, and to share experiences with managing stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 virus. Students can also get tips and suggestions for how best to cope in this difficult time.
Students can sign up with their U of T email address to join the online discussion board, or view the topics and follow along without signing up. The forum will be monitored by social workers who can volunteer advice and refer students to additional mental health resources.
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 September 3rd at 11:55am EST
The University has posted a roadmap for a safe U of T experience, which you can read here.
Learn more about our plans to keep students, faculty and staff safe on campus this fall.
Learn more about how our residences are preparing for Fall term in U of T News.
Many co-curricular events and workshops have moved online, so you’ve got fantastic content from all three campuses right at your fingertips. From Career Chats and Mindful Moments, to resources that help you do your best learning from home, you’ll find just what you need to stay motivated, focused and connected.
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.
U of T has formed a partnership with HathiTrust Digital Library that gives current students and faculty access more than 2.5 million digitized versions of the library’s in-copyright print books published before 2004 through the HathiTrust Digital Library.
To access, follow the instructions on the HathiTrust Digital Library terms of use page. The ETAS collection will only be available while library buildings remain closed.
Additional information on this service can be found on this webpage. Please contact your faculty liaison librarian or email libraryhelp@utoronto.ca for help finding a specific title.
Beginning June 22, Robarts Library will offer a Curbside Pickup Service for print books not available through the HathiTrust Emergency Temporary Access Service. Students, faculty and staff are eligible to use this service. Initially, the service will only provide access to books housed in the Robarts Library building stack and storage locations, including in the East Asian Library within the building.
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 24/7. 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: July 17th at 11:30am 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 will be no changes to planned tuition fees. All academic programs will continue through alternative delivery modes and some will 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 may be 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 will also be 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: Intramurals and varsity sports will not be available for the fall term. However, it is anticipated that some athletics facilities run by KPE Sport & Rec, UTM Athletics, UTSC Athletics and Hart House will be opening in the fall term with in-person offerings as permitted by requirements applicable at that time. On-line options for physical activity, recreation and wellness will continue throughout the term.
Hart House: It is anticipated that Hart House and the Hart House Farm will be 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.
The University expects that all services and programs will resume in January 2021 and that full costs will be charged. If the situation changes, the University will review 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 Wednesday, September 16th at 10:50am EST
The University’s Mandatory Quarantine Accommodation program will start August 15th. If you will be arriving sooner, please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca.
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-off 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.
More information is provided in the frequently asked questions below.
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 will be available beginning August 15, 2020. Should you require quarantine accommodation prior to this date, please contact info.quarantine@utoronto.ca. 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 University will be 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 wiht 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.
We look forward to having you join our U of T community this academic year. Visit the Futures FAQ page for information about residence offers, orientation, what you can expect in September, and questions about admissions.
Last updated: Friday, July 31 at 10:15am EST (Question 11 answer updated)
Residence is an important part of the university experience and we’re excited to be welcoming students to campus this fall. 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
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.
Yes, we’re planning to have students in residence this fall. We know that for many students, residence is an important part of the university experience and we look forward to welcoming you.
Learn more about how our residences are preparing for Fall term in U of T News.
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.
https://www.trinity.utoronto.ca/engage/dining-at-trinity/
https://chestnut.utoronto.ca/home/student-residence/meal-plans-food/
https://www.vic.utoronto.ca/current-students/residence-life/
https://www.uc.utoronto.ca/food/meal-plans
https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/student-life/st-michaels-college-residence/residence-life-meal-plans/
https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/housing/residence-services/meal-plans
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/businessdev/residence-meal-plan
Students who need to fulfill the 14-day mandatory quarantine period will be able to arrive early. Details about early arrival and supports will be communicated to you in the near future.
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’re implementing 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.
Your campus-specific Accessibility Services Office is able to assist if you have specific questions or concerns. You can contact your campus-specific office:
If you cannot come for September but hope to come later in the academic year, you will need to pay the first deposit (UTSG/UTSC) or application fee (UTM) to maintain your Residence Guarantee status. Instead of paying the second deposit (UTSG/UTSC) or application deposit (UTM) in July, you can opt to be placed on our Active Applicant list by midnight on July 31, 2020 and we will hold your first deposit. To remain on the Active Applicant list, you must pay the second deposit (UTSG/UTM/UTSC) by August 14. Being an Active Applicant means you will maintain your guarantee and we are committed to housing you when you are able to make it to campus, either in the Fall 2020 or Winter 2021 term. For students who have paid their first deposit, please refer to the email from the Housing Office for more information.
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.
St. George Campus and UTSC: Specific residence placement information will be sent out in August.
UTM: Specific residence placement information will be sent out starting in late July.
St. George Campus: If you’re placed in a residence that wasn’t your preference in StarRez, you can cancel and have your deposits refunded within a set timeframe. This means you’ve relinquished your Residence Guarantee, but you may go on a waitlist for your first choice of residence.
UTM: Every effort is made to assign students to their top 3 choices. Please contact the UTM Residence Desk if you would like to discuss.
Applies to students on the St. George campus only.
Course registration is expected to begin in late July. You’ll be asked to reconfirm your interest in residence and submit a second deposit by July 31. If you choose to cancel your residence application by July 31, we’ll refund your first residence deposit.
To enter Canada as an international student you need the following. You will not be permitted to enter without all three.
International students attempting to enter Canada at this time must have either:
Students whose citizenship requires them to have a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization must have one associated with their passport.
Be sure you have requested a letter of support from your registrar. You can use the letter to help make the case that your entry into Canada is non-discretionary. Returning students can also provide proof that they have made a home for themselves in Canada. Examples of documentation could include lease or rental agreements, recurring bills for Canadian services (like phone or internet), or transaction records from Canadian bank accounts showing activity within Canada. The Canadian Border Services Agency Officer makes the final decision on whether your reason for entry is non-discretionary.
You can download the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) or use their accessible web app to submit the mandatory information required for entry into Canada. The app allows you to easily and securely submit the necessary information within 48 hours before arriving in Canada, speeding up the arrival process. If you cannot use any of these options, you can still provide the information upon arrival. If you’re registered for full quarantine support, our confirmation message should include the necessary information. If you will be quarantining at your own location, you’ll need to provide your own details.
Further information
Additional guidance and information on all these topics can be found at: 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
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.
We also recommend that you reach out directly to your consular office as there are limited flights and closed borders for many countries around the world. There are approximately 100 countries with foreign representatives in Toronto.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If your in-class courses are being 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:
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.
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. Applications to dis-enrol will be available on the UHIP page in October.
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.
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.
Specific questions should 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.
Last updated Friday, September 4th, 12:10pm (Question #7 updated)
To enter Canada as an international student you need the following. You will not be permitted to enter without all three.
International students attempting to enter Canada at this time must have either:
Students whose citizenship requires them to have a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization must have one associated with their passport.
Be sure you have requested a letter of support from your registrar. You can use the letter to help make the case that your entry into Canada is non-discretionary. Returning students can also provide proof that they have made a home for themselves in Canada. Examples of documentation could include lease or rental agreements, recurring bills for Canadian services (like phone or internet), or transaction records from Canadian bank accounts showing activity within Canada. The Canadian Border Services Agency Officer makes the final decision on whether your reason for entry is non-discretionary.
You can download the Government of Canada’s ArriveCAN app (iOS or Android) or use their accessible web app to submit the mandatory information required for entry into Canada. The app allows you to easily and securely submit the necessary information within 48 hours before arriving in Canada, speeding up the arrival process. If you cannot use any of these options, you can still provide the information upon arrival. If you’re registered for full quarantine support, our confirmation message should include the necessary information. If you will be quarantining at your own location, you’ll need to provide your own details.
Further information
Additional guidance and information on all these topics can be found at: 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
If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and plan to study in Canada for more than six months you will have to apply for a study permit. You should apply for your study permit online as soon as you get your letter of acceptance.
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:
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.
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.
Yes. Visa offices around the world continue to process study permit applications. The current travel restrictions to Canada will not prevent your study permit application from being processed. Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced that they will notify successful applicants about when they can travel to Canada. We recommend that you apply for your study permit as soon as possible as it may take longer to process applications this year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Yes. Starting August 10 all newly admitted international students are automatically enrolled in the University Health Insurance Program (UHIP). New students may access their UHIP cards by registering online at mysunlife.ca.
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.
UHIP provides minimal emergency coverage outside of Ontario and only within Canada. Please see Questions 9 and 10 in “International Students” for more details on how to dis-enrol from UHIP for the fall semester if you’re studying remotely.
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.
Questions updated: May 25, 2020 at 12:00pm EST (All questions, with the exception of #3, are updated or new).
As of May 25, 2020 , the University of Toronto has cancelled future University activity to international locations for all students until December 31, 2020. University activities abroad on or after January 1, 2021 are scheduled to continue at this time. If you’re able to postpone or shift your travel to a later date, please arrange to do so. If you’re unable to change your plans, please note that, regrettably, your activity is cancelled.
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.
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. Our priority at this time is the safe return of all our students to their home destinations.
We’re happy that you’ve returned home safely. 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.