Welcome Plan 2020

1. Submit your West Vancouver Schools Student Arrival Details Form.
2. You must complete the ArriveCAN app before boarding your flight. An important confirmation email with a token number will be sent when this form is submitted.
3. Fill out the BC Self-Isolation Plan.
4. Shorten Your Arrival Time at YVR
   Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) have collaborated on a project to expedite the issuing of study permits for new international students upon arriving in Canada at YVR Vancouver airport. YVR and CBSA have developed a website called the Voluntary Compliance Portal (VC Portal) where incoming international students can voluntarily submit their immigration and permit information. This portal is run by YVR, and the information is then sent to CBSA in order to process and print the permits prior to the arrival of the student. This can have significant time savings for both the student and CBSA. 

   The VC Portal can be found at https://www.yvr.ca/en/students 

   In order to use the VC Portal, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

   1.The student’s first entry to Canada must be at YVR airport; they cannot connect to YVR via a domestic flight;
   2.The student must be in possession of a Letter of Introduction/pre-approved Study Permit application issued by IRCC;
   3.They must submit the information through the VC Portal a minimum of 72 hours in advance of their arrival at YVR. 

Note that this does not exempt students from the normal assessment of admissibility to Canada by Border Services Officers, and does not replace the usual procedure for seeking entry to Canada.

I hope this information and portal will help with a faster and smoother arrival in January. We look forward to welcoming you here in West Vancouver!

1. Begin to communicate and build a relationship with your host family
2. Discuss with your host what quarantine will look like in their home
3. Have several Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom meetings to get to know one another
4. Share how you have been living during the COVID experience and the precautions taken in your country
5. Exchange emails and phone numbers and program into your mobile phone

1. Make a plan for your physical and emotional wellness during quarantine. Is there anything you can bring to help keep you busy and entertained?
2. Read the article: How to self isolate after travel when you live with other family member
3. If you are staying with a West Vancouver Schools appointed host family, a $400 quarantine surcharge will be charged. If you have not prepaid, please be prepared to pay your host family upon arrival to help the family cover the costs associated with extra care and cleaning. 

In addition to your personal items, you must ensure you have the following packed in your carry-on luggage. Use the Printable packing list if needed.

1. Passport
2. Study permit or approval letter (if studying for 6 months or longer)
3. Letter of Acceptance from West Vancouver Schools International Programs
4. Custodianship documents, unless travelling with your natural parent
5. Self-isolation Plan, including full details of your host family or your natural parent
6. Non-discretionary travel letter
7. cell phone, and all charging cables
8. a laptop, and all charging cables
9. masks (5 or more)
10. travel-sized bottle of hand-sanitizer (100 ml or less)
11. disinfectant wipes
12. thermometer

We strongly suggest against booking any connection flights via the USA. Current Canadian rules do not allow entry into Canada from the USA and we anticipate these rules to be in place for some time.

While in transit to the airport, in airports and during the flight(s), students must:

1. wear a mask
2. practice physical distancing (minimum 2 metres from others) when possible
3. wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
4. use hand sanitizer regularly and as necessary, particularly before eating
5. sanitize your personal space and high-touch areas (armrests, seat belts, tray tables, screens)
6. minimize trips to the washroom
7. touch as few surfaces as possible
8. keep mobile phone charged if using throughout the flight to watch movies or play games, clean it with a disinfecting wipe frequently
9. bring some food as restaurants or stores may be closed
   

Upon arrival in Canada you should proceed through the airport while physical distancing. Please have all your documents from the Packing and departure section ready for inspection when you undergo border screening. You should keep a back-up of your documents on your phone and computer.

If you need help at the airport go to the service desk or look for volunteers that can help you. At the Vancouver Airport, the volunteers are wearing green shirts.

At Vancouver International Airport, you will need to:

1. be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when seeking entry into Canada. Border services officers will verify that you submitted your arrival information using the ArriveCAN app.
2. pick up your baggage
3. put on a fresh mask
4. exit into the arrivals area. Do not leave the airport until you can met your driver!
   • If you are being picked up by Language Limousine, exit the baggage area and go directly to meet the driver.
   • If you arranged your own transportation, please be sure to confirm a meeting spot.

All travellers to Canada are required to quarantine. This means that you will have to stay in your own room and minimize contact with others. 

Within 48 hours after entering Canada, you must report your arrival using the ArriveCAN app or call 1-833-641-0343.

After arriving in Canada, Government of Canada officials will call you to monitor compliance with the mandatory quarantine. You must be prepared to answer calls from 1-855-906-5585 or 613-221-3100. You might also be visited in person by an officer.

Please note that when contacting you during quarantine to ensure compliance, the Canadian Government will never ask you for your financial information.

You must:

1. Confirm that you’ve arrived at the address you provided for your quarantine location.
2. Stay in room as much as possible and away from others
3. Complete daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessments during your quarantine period.
4. Check in with your Homestay Coordinator by phone (604.313.0012) and email (homestay@wvschools.ca).
5. Keep your room well-ventilated and clean – open your window to let the air circulate
6. Practice good hygiene:
   • wash your hands frequently with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds
   • use a separate towel which is kept away from others
   • cover your mouth and nose with your elbow (or use a tissue) when coughing or sneezing – avoid coughing into either your hands or into the air. Dispose of used tissues right away into a trash bin and immediately wash your hands
7. Use a separate bathroom if possible:
   • Clean the bathroom regularly with household cleaning products
   • Flush the toilet with the lid down
8. Keep bathroom and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, dressers, and other surfaces clean and disinfected frequently
9. Keep personal items (toothbrush, cups, cell phone, tablets, laptops, etc.) separate from those belonging to others
10. Package up your garbage. Empty garbage frequently and wash your hands immediately
11. Find some time to go outside each day only if you can stay in a private place like the back yard. Do not go to school, shared spaces, or public areas.
12. Stay connected with wifi connection using text, email, FaceTime and be creative to find ways to interact with your host family.
13. Monitor your physical and mental well-being
    • if you are not feeling well, ask your host to help you complete an online self-assessment to determine if you need further assessment or testing
    • use the daily self-monitoring website if needed at https://ca.thrive.health
14. Establish a ‘routine’ as quickly as possible (don’t stay awake all night and sleep all day)
15. Take care with laundry:
    • all clothes worn during the flight should be washed as soon as possible
    • Your clothes should be washed separately from other family members during this time.
16. Eat in your bedroom. The host family will bring meals to your room.

Before you exit your quarantine, make sure you have confirmed your quarantine expiry date with your Homestay Coordinator phone (604.313.0012) or email (homestay@wvschools.ca).

You are now free to begin to explore West Vancouver and beyond! Use all your knowledge gained from Virtual Orientation and be sure to observe all health rules, especially social distancing.

If you were not living with your permanently-assigned host family during quarantine, arrangements will be made to move you after the quarantine period is completed.

Stay informed! Monitor your email account and mobile phone for emails or SMS from the International Programs team.

 

Here are some useful tips!