On Monday the government of Canada announced that foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to enter Canada if their intention is to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.
Upon arrival, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
The exemption to the current travel restrictions was implemented because the government recognized the border closure has created challenges for some families and has been looking at ways to keep families together and support unity while respecting the need for continued vigilance in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
According to a Canadian Border Services Agency press release, an immediate family member refers to a person’s:
a) spouse or common-law partner;
b) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or a dependent child of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
c) dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, of a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b):
d) parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
e) guardian or tutor.
All foreign nationals who have COVID-19 or exhibit any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 continue to remain prohibited from entering Canada.
This change in travel restrictions does not apply to immediate family members of temporary residents in Canada, such as those on a student or work visa.
The Canada/US border was first closed in March to non-essential travel. In April, the closure was extended until the end of May, and then again until June 21.
There is no word yet from the CBSA on whether the border could reopen on June 21 for non-essential travel or the travel restrictions will again be extended.
Changes to cross-border travel restrictions
Record Staff
