General Pandemic News

US announces end to “COVID-19 flexibilities” for online or hybrid study On 12 May 2023, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the end of temporary rules that...

Read more

Canada expands list of approved vaccines The Government of Canada has announced an expansion of its list of COVID-19 vaccines that travellers can receive...

Read more

Canada extends expiring post-graduate work permits for thousands of international students Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on 17 March 2023 that international students with post-graduation work permits...

Read more

Ireland extends post-study work eligibility for students studying remotely due to COVID Ireland has temporarily adjusted a key immigration policy affecting international students in light of COVID, in an effort...

Read more

Australia: An overview of international student return plans There has been a flurry of announcements from Australian states and territories in recent weeks. New student return...

Read more

International students cleared to enter Australia beginning 15 December On 15 December, Australia will go ahead with its plan to welcome back fully vaccinated international student and...

Read more

US opens travel exemption for students from China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa; extends earlier guidance for online studies The US Department of State announced this week that students from China, Iran, Brazil, and South Africa will...

Read more

China’s borders open at last with easing of remaining restrictions on international travel After weeks of public protest at the end of 2022, the Chinese government began to drop the most...

Read more

Japan eases border restrictions but international students not prioritised for entry Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that on 1 March 2022, Japan will open its borders to...

Read more

Australia: Growing frustration at continued border closures for international students Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison remains committed to reserving his country’s COVID quarantine facilities for Australians returning home...

Read more

Australia will open its borders to fully vaccinated international students on 15 December 2021 Editor’s note: Australia’s border opening for international students was originally planned for 1 December 2021. On 29 November,...

Read more

Canadian post-secondary institutions announce COVID vaccine requirements for 2021/22 As students begin returning to Canadian university and college campuses this fall, they are checking not only their...

Read more