King's International

Note the following updates to King's and Western's vaccine policy coming into effect to align with the Province of Ontario’s revised definition of "fully vaccinated status." These changes will affect individuals who have received vaccines outside of Canada.

Fully vaccinated will now be defined as:

• The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD and Janssen/Johnson & Johnson), or any combination of such vaccines,

OR

• One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada (note, the vaccine does NOT need to be WHO-approved), followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada.

OR

• Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada (note, the vaccine does NOT need to be WHO-approved, for example, the Anhui Zhifei Longcom COVID-19 vaccine)

AND

• Having received your final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago

What does this mean for students? 

• If you were previously considered fully vaccinated with two doses of Sinovac or Sinopharm, you will now need one dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) to be considered fully vaccinated.
   
• Beginning Monday, September 27, students who were previously considered fully vaccinated but do not meet the revised definition must begin rapid antigen testing twice per week in order to be permitted to come to campus.
   
• Students who have received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada are considered fully vaccinated, even if their vaccine is not WHO-approved. For example, Anhui Zhifei Longcom COVID-19 vaccine from China is not WHO-approved, but it is a three-dose series, so as long as students have received all three doses, and it is 14 days after their last dose,  are considered fully vaccinated.
   
• Note that nothing has changed with vaccine requirements for quarantine exemption. Students must have received a full series of Health-Canada authorized vaccines to be considered for possible quarantine exemption upon arrival to Canada. However, you must still be prepared to quarantine and complete the mandatory registration of your Quarantine & Travel plan with King’s/Western.

A table outlining the vaccine type and requirements as per the revised is available on the website:  Vaccine FAQ for International Students

Students requiring an additional mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) AND/OR rapid testing can book an appointment through Western's Vaccination and Testing Centre.

If you have questions or concerns about the revised policy, please contact King’s International at international@kings.uwo.ca or  vaxinfo@uwo.ca

• Travellers who qualify as fully vaccinated may now enter Canada for a study period of 6 months or less with a valid travel document (visitor visa or electronic travel authorization [eTA]); a study permit is not required, however, there are advantages to getting a study permit for a study period of 6 months or less, including facilitating re-entry to Canada if you travel during your studies.
  • Travellers who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must still have a valid study permit and valid travel document (eTA or visitor visa).
  • All international students arriving for a study period of over 6 months must still have a valid study permit and valid travel document (eTA or visitor visa).
• As of August 9, 2021, fully vaccinated travellers are not required to quarantine. All travellers must still provide a quarantine plan and be prepared to quarantine, in case it is determined at the border that they do not meet the necessary requirements. The requirements to receive a COVID test 72 hours within departure time and upload arrival information on the ArriveCAN app continues to be mandated for all travellers.
• All King’s University College, degree-seeking students arriving by air up until October 31 2021, for their first entry into Canada since February 22, 2021 who underwent quarantine in a government-approved hotel are eligible for a subsidy. To see full eligibility requirements, please click here.
• All King's University College students arriving from outside of Canada (including international students and Canadian citizens) are required to complete a 14-day quarantine plan and must register their quarantine plan with King’s/Western prior to arrival in Canada. All travelers are also required to obtain a negative COVID test 72 hours prior to boarding their flight or within 72 hours pre-arrival at a land border, and enter their information in the ArriveCAN app prior to arrival (as well as confirm they have arrived at their quarantine location within 48 hours of entry to Canada and complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments)
• Travellers are also required to undergo two COVID tests after arrival: One upon arrival at the airport and another one on day 8 of their quarantine (a self-testing kit will be provided upon arrival).Students who have been fully vaccinated with a Government of Canada approved vaccine may not require the 8 day COVID -19 test and may not be required to complete the 14 day quarantine plan they have submitted.
• Residence and non-residence students to have access to a transportation and self-isolation service through Maple Assist and Residence Inn Marriott. Residents can also make their own self-isolation plan, with certain requirements for authorization to move into residence. More information can be found here.