COVID-19 - General FAQ for International Students

This guide is updated as new information becomes available. The questions and answers provided below are general in nature and subject to change. Individual students are responsible for ensuring compliance with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations. For assistance, please contact iesc@uwo.ca or +1-519-661-2111 ext. 89309.

Following public health guidance, we strongly encourage everyone to remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. To determine if you are considered fully vaccinated or up to date by the Province of Ontario, please visit our COVID-19 vaccination chart below.

Additional FAQ pages and resources:

Last updated: March 31, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel to Canada & Quarantine

Do I need to be fully vaccinated in order to enter Canada?

No. As of October 1, 2022 a full series of COVID-19 vaccines is not required to enter Canada. For the latest information on travel, border measures please visit the Government of Canada website.

Please see the following government resources for more details on vaccination recommendations in Ontario:

Can international students travel to Western?

Yes! If you are an international student who is currently outside of Canada, visit our International Arrival website for information about helpful tips for travelling to Canada, and other supports and considerations in planning your arrival.

What are the quarantine requirements for students arriving in Canada from abroad?

As of October 1, 2022, there are no quarantine requirements for any students arriving to Canada regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Find helpful tips for travel on our International Arrival website

What is the ArriveCAN app?

The ArriveCAN app was previously required to provide proof of vaccination and travel details. As of October 1, 2022, travellers are no longer required to use the ArriveCAN app.

While travellers no longer have to submit quarantine and vaccination information through ArriveCAN, they can continue to use the optional Advance Declaration feature in ArriveCAN (free as a mobile app or on the Canada Border Services Agency website) to save time at the airport by submitting their customs and immigration declaration in advance of arrival. 

COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines & Health Care

Will I need to be fully vaccinated to come to campus?

No. Based on the latest consultation with Western medical experts and local public health, Western is revoking its vaccination policy and will no longer require students, employees, and visitors to be vaccinated to come to campus.

Following public health guidance, we strongly encourage everyone to remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. To determine if you are considered fully vaccinated or up to date by the Province of Ontario, please visit our COVID-19 vaccination chart below.

Please see the Western vaccine page for additional details, or contact vaxinfo@uwo.ca for questions.

Will I need a COVID-19 vaccine to live in residence?

No. Western no longer requires students living in residence to be fully vaccinated.

I am an international student in Canada. Will UHIP cover the cost of my COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes.  UHIP (University Health Insurance Plan) members residing in Ontario are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, regardless of where it is administered (Western vaccination and testing centre, public health vaccination sites, designated pharmacies, walk-in clinics, family doctors, others). UHIP members residing in Canada, but outside of Ontario, do not have to pay for the vaccine at designated public health unit vaccination sites and designated pharmacies only, but may have to pay if they receive the vaccine at other sites, such as walk-in clinics, family doctors or others.

If you paid for the vaccine, you can submit a claim for reimbursement up to the UHIP designated amount. visit the UHIP web page for general UHIP information. Contact iesc@uwo.ca with any questions.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

Rapid antigen tests for at-home use are available for free in Ontario at selected pharmacies and grocery stores. Only certain individuals such as those who work in health care settings (including students in clinical settings), and in some cases, their families or partners, are eligible for Molecular and PCR testing.

Visit the Government of Ontario COVID-19 website for details. 

Testing for Travel: Please visit the Middlesex-London Health Unit website for testing locations for the purposes of testing before travelling outside of Canada. 

If I would like to be vaccinated, where can I get COVID-19 vaccinations on campus?

The Vaccination and Testing Centre is located in Thames Hall, Room 3189. Visit uwo.ca/coronavirus/vaccine.html for more information and to book a vaccine appointment. 

Following public health guidance, we strongly encourage everyone to remain up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. To determine if you are considered fully vaccinated or up to date by the Province of Ontario, please visit our COVID-19 vaccination chart below.

What does UHIP cover with regards to COVID-19?

You have access to COVID-19 vaccinations free of charge, regardless of UHIP/OHIP status. You should provide your UHIP card if asked. 

UHIP also covers emergency services and hospitalization related to COVID-19.  For a full list of what is covered by UHIP, visit:  uhip.ca/Enrollment/PlanDetails#toc2

If you are seeking coverage for services not covered under UHIP (e.g., prescription drugs, dental care), supplementary health insurance is provided through the University Students' Council (USC) for undergraduate students  westernusc.ca/your-services/health-plan and through the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS) for graduate students sogs.ca/healthplan.

If you are travelling outside of Canada, UHIP will not cover COVID testing for outbound international travellers.

What happens if my COVID-19 test is positive?

If you are sick or test positive on a rapid antigen test, stay home to prevent transmission to others, except to seek testing or medical care if required. You are encouraged to stay home until your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea), you do not have a fever and you do not develop any additional symptoms. 

Learn more here about public health recommendations for when you are feeling unwell or test positive.

If symptoms worsen and you need to seek medical attention, contact Student Health Care at 519-661-3030 or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. In a medical emergency, call 911. 

Is it safe to re-vaccinate if I have already received a vaccination?

If it has been longer than one month since your last vaccination, it is safe for you to receive an additional vaccination. If you wish to discuss any health concerns with a health care provider, please contact Student Health Care at (519) 661-3030.

I have received two doses of a non-Health Canada-authorized vaccine plus an additional mRNA vaccine. Is it safe to receive a booster dose?

Yes. It is safe for you to receive an additional vaccination if you have waited the appropriate time interval from your last vaccination. You can receive your booster dose at Western’s Vaccination and Testing Centre. If you wish to discuss any health concerns with a health care provider, please contact Student Health Care at (519) 661-3030.

Do I have to go to government office to get a proof of vaccination? Does a document from a hospital work as well?

If you have been given a vaccination at a local Ontario hospital, you can come to the Vaccination and Testing Centre with your student card and a second proof of identity (passport) and the health team can provide your proof of vaccination.

How do I acquire advanced proof of vaccination if I don’t have a health card?

If I received all my doses inside of Ontario:

  • Call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to request your vaccination proof at 1-322-943-3900 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Sunday).

If I received one or more of my doses outside of Ontario:

  • Submit your proof of vaccination to be verified by the Middlesex-London Health Unit at https://covidvaccinelm.ca/outofprovince
    • Please Note: It may take up to 21 days to process an out-of-Ontario or out-of-Canada COVID-19 vaccine submission.
  • Once processed, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre to request your vaccination proof at 1-322-943-3900 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Sunday).

Unsure which vaccine you received or can’t find proof? Call the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 226-289-3560 (9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Sunday). 

Financial Support

What is the International Student Bursary Program?

The International Student Bursary Program enables undergraduate international students in financial need to continue or complete their program of study at Western. Please click on the "Undergraduate" section on our Financial Assistance page for more information or visit our Advising Services page to connect with our team.

What is the International Student Emergency Loan?

Western offers short-term loans to international students who encounter unforeseen financial emergencies. The maximum loan is $500. Financial emergencies may arise as a result of medical expenses, delays in transfers of funds from outside of Canada, expensive textbooks, moving, etc. Find out more on our Financial Assistance page.

Where can I find financial resources for graduate students?

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can find information on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) funding page.

Immigration, Study/Work Permits and Visas

Can I enter Canada on my TRV or eTA to study a short-term program without a study permit?

International students admitted to a short-term program (less than 6 months) may now enter Canada for study with a valid travel document such as a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).

You will need a study permit if your program is longer than six months.

There are also some advantages to applying for a study permit even if it’s not required for your program, including facilitating re-entry to Canada if a student travels during their studies.  For more information, please see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.

If you have any questions please contact iesc@uwo.ca

Can I study online from outside Canada without a study permit? Will that impact my eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?

IRCC has extended distance learning measures until December 31, 2023 to enable international students, who are still waiting for their study permit, to pursue their studies online during the transition period and still be eligible for PGWP. However, international students are encouraged to come back to Canada.

Please refer to the IRCC website for more details.

Please check with your department/faculty if online options are available.

If you take the online options and you can’t travel because you are still waiting for approval of your study permit or TRV/eTA, please note you won't be able to get a refund for completed terms if you are unable to come to Canada to complete your program in the future. Western University will not be liable for any losses resulting from your failure to qualify for a study permit, or from your inability to otherwise complete the program due to immigration restrictions.

If you are a student who needs university employment, you will not be able to get a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) without a valid study permit, and without a valid SIN the university cannot employ you.

If you have specific immigration questions pertaining to your situation, please contact our International Student Advisors at iesc@uwo.ca or  schedule an appointment .

What documentation do I need to bring with me to the airport?

Visit What to Bring to Canada on our website for details on documents and other essential items.

Visit the new students section of our website for a full list what you need to bring to the airport.

Housing

Where can I find more information about COVID-19 safety measures and requirements for living in residence?

For up-to-date information on requirements for residences, please visit the Housing website.

What physical distancing and disinfection measures are in place in residence?

We are taking our direction and instruction from the government and local health authorities. Enhanced cleaning of our residences includes more frequent sanitization of touch surfaces in public areas, with caretaking staff schedules expanding to seven days a week, and an extended presence beyond traditional business hours. Additional changes to food service and dining halls have been implemented. For details, see the Housing website.

Classes, Exams and Campus

What if I have challenges arriving in Canada for in-person learning for the beginning of my program?

If you are arriving past the start of the term or are continuing to experience challenges in securing study permits or travel arrangements, please contact the following AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Accommodations for late arrival vary by program and individual circumstances and may not be possible in all cases. 

Western remains committed to supporting international students as you navigate the challenges of COVID-19. International Student Advisors are available to provide guidance and support. Please contact iesc@uwo.ca, book an appointment, or call +1-519-661-2111 ext. 89309 for assistance. 

International & Exchange Student Centre (IESC) Events & Support

What resources are available to support international students navigating university life?

Our IESC staff and volunteers will offer a mix of in-person and virtual programming and events throughout the year. Please visit the website for more details.

Where can I find out about IESC events?

IESC has a range of in-person and virtual programming and opportunities for you to connect with other students and with our team. You can also view our events calendar and follow us on social media to stay up to date.

Graduate Students

Where can I find resources for graduate students?

Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can find information and resources on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website. For questions pertaining to research, examinations and other concerns issues please consult the directory for contact information: grad.uwo.ca/administration/directory.html.

Where can I find information about financial support for graduate students?

The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) maintains this web page on fees and funding. 

Other Resources

Where can I find resources related to Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19?

Please visit the Learning Network resource hub for resources related to Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19. 


TABLE: Types and doses of vaccines and requirements to be considered fully vaccinated and up-to-date according to the Province of Ontario's vaccination definitions.

This table indicates additional doses required according to Ontario's revised definition of fully vaccinated and up-to-date. Note that the booster dose may now include the Moderna bivalent vaccine approved by Health Canada in September 2022. For questions, contact vaxinfo@uwo.ca.

Types and doses of vaccines and requirements to be considered fully vaccinated and up-to-date. 
Vaccine Doses Already Received Additional doses to complete primary series Additional doses (booster) required to be considered "up-to-date"
Pfizer-BioNTECH 2 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Moderna 2 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
AstraZeneca/COVISHEILD 2 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen 1 dose None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Novavax Nuvaxovid 2 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Medicago Covifenz 2 doses  None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose  1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Sinovac 3 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Sinopharm 3 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Anhui Zhifei 3 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Bharat Biotech/Covaxin 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Sputnik/Gam-COVID-Vac 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Sputnik Light 1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Minhai/SARS-CoV-2 (Vero Cells) 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
KoviVac 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
QazCovid-in/QazVac 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
COVIran-Barekat 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
CanSino/Ad5-nCoV Convidecia 1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Vektor/Epi VacCorona 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Soberana 02 / Soberana Plus / FINLAY-FR-1A 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Abdala/CIGB-66 3 doses None 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Medigen 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
Spikogen / Vaxine/CinnaGen Co. COVAX-19 2 doses 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine
1 dose 1 Pfizer or Moderna, Novavax or Megicago vaccine 1 Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Medicago vaccine


*Depending on age eligibility, and timing between doses.

Please see the following government resources for more details: