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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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,...

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UK will introduce new international travel rules beginning in October 2021 The UK is moving to a new international border protocol in terms of which travellers – from which...

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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...

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