Travel restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 have been difficult for those who have family and loved ones outside Canada, especially for families dealing with a life-threatening illness, critical injury, or death of a loved one.
In recognition of the importance of being with loved ones in times of crisis, The Government of Canada is introducing a process to allow entry for extended family members of Canadian citizens & Canadian permanent residents and foreign nationals, in limited circumstances, for compassionate reasons. The Government assured in their official statement. That these measures will not compromise the integrity of the border.
The new processes for extended family members and those traveling for compassionate reasons are outlined below. The Canadian government urges travelers to not make any arrangements unless the following criteria are met and all necessary authorizations have been granted.
New process for extended family members
The following extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents would be eligible to travel to Canada:
- individuals in an exclusive dating relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for at least 1 year who have spent time in the physical presence of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident during the relationship and these individuals’ dependent children
- non-dependent children (adult children who do not meet the definition of a dependent child in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations)
- grandchildren
- siblings (including half- and step-siblings)
- grandparents
These people will not need to demonstrate that they are entering for a purpose that is non‑optional or non‑discretionary, as long as they
- are staying in the country for 15 days or more
- provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with the required documentation, including a completed and signed statutory declaration, to show they meet the definition of an extended family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
- meet existing eligibility and admissibility requirements to enter the country
- are travelling to Canada with a valid passport and travel document (visa or electronic travel authorization [eTA], if needed)
- have received written authorization from IRCC to travel to Canada as an extended family member
Like all travelers, extended family members will be subject to all public health measures, including the mandatory 14‑day quarantine period upon arrival in Canada. The final decision on who can enter Canada is made by a border services officer at a port of entry.
Process to allow for entry to Canada for compassionate reasons
If you’re a foreign national traveling to Canada for a compassionate reason, you must get authorization from the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to and enter Canada.
Examples of compassionate reasons can include:
- being present during the final moments of life for a loved one
- providing support to a person deemed critically ill
- providing care to a person who medically requires support
- attending a funeral or end-of-life ceremony
