COVID-19: The latest advice for students studying in North America

COVID-19: The latest advice for students studying in North America

Friday 3 April 2020
StudyCo website pages are available for each of universities in the North America that StudyCo represents to assist you in responding to enquiries from students and parents.

There is growing concern around the impact of COVID-19 in the United States and Canada. StudyCo would like to assure you that we will keep you informed of any cases that impact the students.

North America: Latest government health and travel advice

USA

The US government has implemented travel restrictions for foreign nationals into the USA from multiple countries due to COVID-19. The official updates from the US government provide the very latest information, including health and travel advice (both for those coming into the country and those travelling abroad) and information on current travel restrictions.

This is an evolving situation, and advice is being updated regularly. Click here for the latest official updates from the US government.

Canada

As of March 18, 2020, the Government of Canada has closed its borders to foreign nationals from all countries until June 30, 2020. This does not apply to air crews, travellers arriving in Canada in transit to a third country, Canadian permanent residents, diplomats, or immediate family members of Canadian citizens.

For more information about travel restrictions, click here.

Travel arrangements

Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action to limit all avoidable travel.

Current students:

StudyCo is advising all the students currently in North America to remain in country for the foreseeable future. While the US and Canadian governments have clearly outlined which countries are currently under travel bans, guidance can change at a moment’s notice. Therefore to avoid any risk of not being allowed to re-enter the country, we are advising students to remain in the US and Canada.

It is important that students keep us updated on their travel plans so that we are able to keep our records up-to-date and provide any support required.

Prospective students:

StudyCo strongly recommends that students do not travel to begin their studies at this time. Instead, they can start their studies online, as universities in the US and Canada are developing online teaching and learning environments to minimise disruption to study plans for all students that are now unable to travel.

Students who have been issued a visa and decide not to travel must inform us so that their education providers can update their visa status with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

It is important that students let their Education Providers know if they have already arrived, so that they can provide them with local support. Online learning resources will be made available.

Study information

Our university partners are continuing to develop robust online teaching and learning environments to minimise disruption to study plans for all students that wish to continue their studies online. StudyCo will be in contact with its representing institutions for instructions on how students can begin their studies online in due course.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions pages are being made available for each of our study destinations to assist you in responding to enquiries from students and parents. These pages will be updated regularly as new information becomes available: