Welcoming Foreign Students in the Context of COVID-19

You are currently abroad and are beginning or pursuing your studies or internship at INRS this fall or this winter? You wonder if your presence in Quebec is possible and if the context is appropriate? Regardless of your situation, INRS provides you with all the information you need to help you.

Welcome plan in response to COVID-19

The INRS has implemented a comprehensive plan to accompany you in preparing for your arrival in accordance with the requirements of Quebec and Canada’s public health authorities.

Consult the Information Guide

Before planning any travel, INRS invites you to consult the Information Guide which allows you to learn about the rules in effect and to assess, with your supervisor, the essential nature of your visit in Canada.

Ask for your support letter

If your travel is possible, you must notify the Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Department of the decision by writing to sae@inrs.ca. Your supervisor will then provide you with a support letter, copied to registrariat@inrs.ca, stating why your presence is essential (see Information Guide, p. 3). He or she will designate, with a copy to registrariat@inrs.ca, a person employed by the INRS who will act as a support person to assist you in the preparations.

Plan your arrival and your quarantine

• A Checklist is available to help you prepare for the various aspects related to your quarantine and your arrival.
• An Assistance program in support to the quarantine has been established to provide you with financial support.

Prepare your arrival at INRS

The support person assigned to you will accompany you when you arrive. A mentor will be able to help you familiarize yourself with your new environment as soon as you begin your studies. Each Centre provides you with a Welcome Guide to help you start and continue your formation at INRS.

Update of travel restrictions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced changes to travel restrictions that will come into effect on October 20, 2020.

Please note that until October 20, 2020, and until INRS is on the list of institutions with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan in place, international students wishing to travel to Canada must respect the requirements of the current travel restrictions in place.

For more details, see the IRCC news release. 

Important government resources on travel restrictions :

• For information on travel restrictions and the impact on international students, please visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): International students.
• For information on travel in Canada and travel for non-discretionary or non-elective purposes, please visit COVID-19 – Study permits and travel to Canada.

• For important information on restrictions for non-Canadian travellers, please visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Information for non-Canadians.
• For information on air travel and entry to Canada, please visit Travel restriction measures: COVID-19 program delivery.
• For information on the Canada – U.S border restrictions, please visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice.