Immigration Update: Facilitated Entry for Immediate Family Members of Canadians (June 8, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. EDT)

We have previously reported that spouses and other immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents have had difficulty entering Canada.

 

We now have some good news to share with respect to these individuals. Starting tonight at 11:59 p.m. EDT, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may travel to Canada if they are entering Canada to be with an immediate family member for at least 15 days. They must arrive with a suitable 14 day self-isolation plan and ensure to observe any provincial requirements or restrictions.

 

Immediate family member is defined as a person’s:

This exemption from the travel restriction would not apply to those coming for short visits, nor does it change the rules in place applicable to immediate family members of foreign nationals that are studying or working in Canada.

 

The Canada-U.S. border closure remains in effect until June 21 and all non-optional and non-discretionary travel (by land and air) will be continue to be restricted. Travel remains highly challenging as airline personnel and border officers are applying varying definitions of eligible travel and travellers. The key to securing entry is to be prepared, so we recommend that individuals needing to enter Canada for any reason reach out to our office before travel.