During the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Guelph has been unable to host visiting international researchers. Given increasing vaccinations globally and interests across the University of Guelph in the continuity of research, faculty and other University personnel are again able to host international researchers using the following processes – one for visiting international researchers (non-student) and on for visiting international research students (VIRS). 

Visiting international researchers (non-student)

Before issuing an invitation, hosts should have a reasonable expectation that visiting researchers will be able to engage in meaningful face-to-face research.In addition, hosts should give due consideration to some of the complications that visitors will likely face, such as uncertain Visa processing times, shifting travel restrictions, and quarantine requirements.The University bears no responsibilities for misspent travel costs or any cost associated with a forced change of plans.

Existing Process

Visiting international researchers must be appointed at nil-salary employees via an existing process managed by Faculty and Academic Staff Relations.  Given travel restrictions during the pandemic, the standard template letter available via FASR has been updated to meet current conditions.

Additional requirements   

Given the ongoing pandemic, additional requirements have been established:

• Letters of invitation must be honest with respect to the essentiality of the visit (see Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic).
• Incoming researchers must abide by COVID requirements of the Government of Canada and Ontario and the University of Guelph (e.g. mandatory quarantine). This must be noted in letters of invitation, and make clear who will bear the cost of meeting such requirements (e.g. mandatory quarantine).
• Visiting Researchers must apply to the University Health Insurance Plan.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact: Vicki Isotamm, Faculty and Academic Staff Relations, visotamm@exec.uoguelph.ca.

Visiting international research students (VIRS)

Before issuing an invitation, hosts should have a reasonable expectation that visiting student researchers will be able to engage in meaningful face-to-face research.  In addition, hosts should give due consideration to some of the complications that visitors will likely face, such as uncertain Visa processing times, shifting travel restrictions, and quarantine requirements.  The University bears no responsibilities for misspent travel costs or any cost associated with a forced change of plans.

Existing Process

Visiting international research students (VIRS) must be invited and hosted via an existing process managed by Guelph International.  Given travel restrictions during the pandemic, the standard template letter available via Guelph International has been updated to meet current conditions.

Additional requirements   

Given the ongoing pandemic, additional requirements have been established:

• Letters of invitation must be honest with respect to the essentiality of the visit (see Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic; and template letter available through VIRS website). 
• Incoming students must abide by COVID requirements of the Government of Canada and Ontario and the University of Guelph (e.g. mandatory quarantine). This must be noted in letters of invitation, and make clear who will bear the cost of meeting such requirements (e.g. mandatory quarantine).
• Health insurance (that includes Covid 19 conditions) must be available to visiting students through GuardMe or equivalent for the duration of a student’s stay.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Lynne Mitchell, Centre for International Programs, lmitchel@uoguelph.ca.