International students from countries other than the United States who have a valid study permit or were approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020 may be exempt from the travel restrictions if they travel for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose. International students from the United States are also exempt from the travel restrictions if they travel for a non-discretionary or non-optional purpose.
Travel will be deemed discretionary or non-discretionary depending on individual circumstances. IRCC case processing officers will not assess whether the applicant is exempt from the travel restrictions when processing a study permit application. Prior to boarding, air carriers are instructed to conduct an assessment of foreign nationals’ ability to travel to Canada based on the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) guidance for the travel restrictions. However, the decision to allow entry into Canada will rest with border services officers at a Canadian port of entry.
Border services officers will assess the circumstances surrounding the student and their accompanying family members’ travel and may consider, for example, whether any of the following apply:
1.they are established, residing and studying in Canada. If they are established in Canada, their return is non-discretionary
2.they expect to begin studying upon arrival after completing their quarantine
3.their presence in Canada is necessary for their continued participation in the program (such as in laboratories or workshops)
4.pursuing online studies is not a reasonable option for their school or program or is not possible from their home country
5.the semester has been cancelled or the person will begin studying later in the year