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Canada has opened its borders for the immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This was announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last day, during his daily coronavirus briefing. Canada, being a country that gives high priority to family reunification, took the measure in order to alleviate the difficulties caused for families as a result of travel restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19.
An immediate family member is defined by the Canada government as:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent child
- Dependent child of a dependent child
- Parent or step-parent
- Guardian or tutor
The immediate family members flying to Canada must do the following before boarding the flight:
- Have your health checked by airline officials and ensure that you do not have any symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or breathing difficulty
- Inform the airline that you are exempt from travel restrictions
- Prove that you are travelling to Canada for an essential reason and not for non-essential reasons such as tourism, recreation or entertainment.
- Submit proof that you are an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Have valid travel documents and passport.
Family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents
The immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not require written authorization from the Government of Canada to prove that you are exempt from travel restrictions.
Documents required
Documents to prove the family member’s status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident:
- A Canadian passport
- Proof of Canadian citizenship that can be a citizenship certificate, citizenship card or provincial or territorial birth certificate
- A Canadian permanent resident card
- A Canadian permanent resident travel document
- A visa-exempt foreign passport and an IRCC Special Authorization for Canadian Citizens
Document to prove your relationship with the immediate family member:
- A marriage certificate or certificate to prove your status as a common-law partner
- A birth certificate
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for the family class
- Other documents that prove an immediate family connection
Family members of temporary residents
If you want to reunite with a family member who is in Canada temporarily, you must have a written authorization from the Government of Canada to fly to Canada. You must also need:
- A valid visitor visa
- A valid passport
- Inform the airline that you are exempt from travel restrictions
- To show a consular or immigration officer that you are coming to Canada for an essential purpose, which may include living with your spouse, partner or parent
- Have your health checked by airline officials to prove that you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms
Mandatory quarantine
The health condition of international travellers will be assessed at the port of entry. All of them must come to Canada with a plan to go on quarantine for 14 days.
The penalties for not following your quarantine plan may include:
- Fine of up to $750,000
- Jail term of six months
- Being found inadmissible, removed from Canada and banned from entering the country for one year
Contact CanApprove to know more about reuniting with your family members in Canada and Canada immigration.
