In an effort to flatten the curve, the Government of Canada has taken a number of extraordinary measures at the border, such as restricting all non-essential travel. We know that the pandemic has been difficult for many families, especially those separated by the border restrictions.
Today, the Government of Canada announced an exemption to the essential travel requirement for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are asymptomatic and seeking entry into Canada for a minimum of 15 days. Public health requirements, such as the mandatory 14 day quarantine, will remain in place.
An immediate family member refers to a person’s:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, or dependent child of the person’s spouse or common-law partner;
- Dependent child, as defined in section 2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, of a dependent child referred to in paragraph (b);
- Parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or common-law partner
- Guardian or tutor
This exemption does not extend to immediate family members of temporary residents, such as international students.
These measures will come into force at 11:59 pm (EDT) this evening.
