COVID-19 Updates from International Student Services

 

This page is regularly updated by International Student Services

COVID-19 Updates from International Student Services - May 22, 2020

The UVic COVID-19 website has been created to provide the university community with the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, including tips for staying healthy, information for travelers, and other resources for students, faculty, and staff. Please see below additional considerations for international students.  Please note that this information is NOT a comprehensive list of all COVID-19 information relevant for international students. Be sure to review the COVID-19 Students Section and the International Section for more information.

Tips and Considerations for International Students

  • Feeling isolated during times of uncertainty can add to your feelings of stress. Find ways to stay in touch with friends and loved ones, get connected and meet new people. Consider joining the Online Global Community Conversation Café and other online events and activities facilitated by our Global Community Advisers, Sara and Cecilia.
  • Course delivery at UVic will be offered mainly online for the Fall (September-December) term. This may or may not be a new experience for you. Resources are constantly being updated and developed to help you succeed in an online learning environment. Check-out the Learn Anywhere website for helpful resources and information. 

  • Here are some additional tips for studying online (adapted from an article written by Aliyyah Nazeem):
    • Ensure you have a reliable internet connection
    • Have a dedicated area for study
    • Treat online learning like classroom learning – create a schedule, use a calendar to track assignments and exams, set aside time to study
    • Develop a daily and weekly routine
    • Engage and participate in group discussions and activities
    • Make sure you communicate with your instructors regularly
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way
  • Please ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage while in Canada. If you have questions about health insurance in Canada, contact International Student Services and visit our health insurance webpage.
  • As an international student there may be additional considerations when you make your study plans for the fall term.  Your academic enrolment status at UVic and the choices you make related to your program of study affect your immigration status and your current and future opportunities and ISS can help you when you make your plans. For example, due to COVID-19, you may have questions about how taking online courses, dropping courses, or taking a term off will affect your study permit validity, work authorization, and post-graduation work permit eligibility.

Accessing International Student Services

  • The International Student Services team is here to support you and would be happy to schedule a phone or Skype for Business appointment with you. If you want to contact us, we are available by e-mail issinfo@uvic.ca and phone +1 250 721 6361 during regular business hours (9:00am-4.30pm Pacific Time).
  • As the response to COVID-19 continues to change, you may have questions about how all of this impacts your immigration status and work authorization. We are available to answer your questions about your study permit, entry document, co-op work permit, post-graduation work permit, and work authorization. Contact us at issinfo@uvic.ca
  • Reach out to the Global Community Advisers, Sara and Cecilia. We would like to provide as much support and certainty as we can during this constantly evolving situation. If you want to talk with us, you can schedule a Skype for Business appointment during business hours (Monday through Friday between 8:30am-4:30pm Pacific Time). Email gcmentor@uvic.ca to coordinate a Skype meeting date.
  • Stay up-to-date by joining out Global Community Facebook Group where we will communicate daily with various tips, resources and messages of support. Also, subscribe to our Global Community Newsletter for important articles, information and highlights.

 Off Campus Resources

  • The deadline to file your personal income tax has been extended to June 1, 2020. For more information about this visit the Canada Revenue Agency website. Also read our In the Know article about Income Tax.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada provides updates on COVID-19 and the Healthlink BC is a multilingual resource.
  • If you are planning to travel outside of Canada, review the travel advisories provided by the Government of Canada, in addition to the advisories for your destination.
  • For travel restrictions on who can travel to Canada, review information provided by the Government of Canada and familiarize yourself with the travel and requirements in BC. 
  • Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is responding to the many issues that are arising as a result of Canada’s response to COVID-19. We recommend you to monitor the IRCC website for the most up-to-date special immigration measures and information.