Frequently Asked Questions

The decision to travel outside Canada is always your own to make. However, at this time, the Government of Canada recommends that everyone avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travel between provinces is also not recommended.

Red River College Polytechnic continues to recommend that all staff and students postpone travel at this time. Please remember that if you decide to return home, you may not be able to re-enter Canada. You will be responsible for following all quarantine guidelines and any related expenses.

Please refer to IRCC Travel Restrictions and Exemptions for the most up-to-date information before you leave and re-enter Canada.

We also advise you to review the latest information provided by local health authorities of the country you intend to visit to determine whether travel is permitted and what precautions you need to take.

Yes, you may make that decision. However, your study plan, study permit, and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) may be affected, and you may not be able to re-enter/continue your academic program as you initially planned. We suggest that you stay in your current study plan. The College is working to provide a safe and healthy study environment for all students.

The College’s Refund Policy will apply to deferral and cancellation.

You can order the Confirmation of Enrolment and/or transcript from Student Service Center in-person or call 204-632-2327. Please be prepared to pay the appropriate fees for the documents you request. Credit card is the only payment method accepted to order these documents over the phone. If the order is placed by phone, we will send your Confirmation of Enrollment by email and your transcript by mail.

Starting October 20, 2020, international students may travel to Canada if the institution they are attending has a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province.

Yes. Red River College Polytechnic’s Institutional Readiness Plan was approved by the Manitoba Government. Here is the list of approved institutions published by IRCC.

Yes. Immediate family members may travel to Canada with a valid temporary resident visa (TRV), eTA, study permit, or work permit, and written authorization from IRCC.

Send your request for written authorization to IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.

Please refer to IRCC for details on how to request a written authorization from IRCC.

You can continue to study as long as you have applied for renewal before the expiry of your authorized stay— see here for more information. If you need assistance in submitting a study permit extension application, or have questions about any other immigration-related matters, please contact the International Student and Immigration Advisor from the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at iesupport@rrc.ca.

You may need to extend your study permit and co-op work permit (if applicable) to complete your program of study.Once your program has confirmed its end date, please contact the Centre for International Education and Global Partnership to issue a revised Letter of Acceptance for your extension. An explanation letter may be required for this type of application. Please contact the International Student and Immigration Advisor from the Centre for International Education and Global Partnerships at iesupport@rrc.ca for more information about this process.

You have the option to stay in Canada or to return to your home country. However, the Government of Canada recommends that everyone avoid all non-essential travel until further notice. If you decide to return home, you must ensure that you:

• Understand your PGWP eligibility while taking online courses from overseas.
• Are equipped to access the online course with reliable internet, computer, microphone, and camera.
• Understand accessibility to certain technologies in your home country, and the time difference between your home country and Canada. For example:
  • If your instructor is using a Google product, can you access that product from your home country? If not, you should consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
  • If your home country requires you to quarantine upon arrival, make sure you have access to the internet and a computer.
• Are responsible for meeting graduation eligibility.
• Obtain a valid study permit and Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)/eTA to return to Canada when we resume in-class delivery.
• Understand travel restrictions between and within Canada and your home country. Once you leave Canada, you face the risk of not being able to return. Please check IRCC Travel Restrictions and Exemptionsfor the most up-to-date information before you leave or return to Canada.

You should apply to switch your status to a visitor if you are going to remain in Canada without attending school for longer than 150 days. You must apply with an explanation letter indicating the reason for changing your status in Canada.

If your program was switched to online delivery due to COVID-19, and you are currently studying in Canada, you still meet the eligibility of PGWP.

If your program was switched to online delivery due to COVID-19, and you are currently outside of Canada,  all your time studying online outside Canada between Spring 2020 and December 31, 2021, counts towards the length of a PGWP.

To be eligible, you must meet the eligibility requirements.

Please always refer to the most up to date information on how your PGWP eligibility is affected by COVID-19.

International students who were eligible to work on or off-campus can continue to work on or off-campus even if they have been forced to take a break, take online courses, and/or take part-time courses in studies due to circumstances beyond their control (i.e. COVID-19). Therefore, you can work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) off-campus for this term, and full-time during the scheduled break at any job.

Contact Harvest Manitoba. You must book an appointment to pick up your food hamper.

Various restaurants and agencies in Winnipeg are now offering free meals. The list is extensive and changes frequently. Search “Winnipeg free meals” for the most up-to-date information and call before going.

We cannot provide an answer, as each person’s situation is unique. Contact Service Canada or visit here for information. The Government of Canada is working on a financial support plan for anyone not covered under current EI guidelines. Stay tuned for updates.

Though the College offers several ways to pay tuition, including online, by mail, and by direct banking, we recognize that many students prefer to pay by cash and/or in person. Visit your banking center to deposit your cash and pay by alternative means. Visit here for more information.

Please visit the My Student Plan Website for details specifically related to the COVID-19 situation and your student health insurance plan. If you have questions about your health situation, please directly contact your service provider. For other COVID-19-related information, please visit Red River College Polytechnic’s COVID-19 Information Page.