Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated temporary restrictions on immigration and essential travel and is now processing applications for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents so they can obtain the necessary documents to enter Canada temporarily. Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents must be entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days.
Effective June 10, 2020, IRCC issued new Ministerial Instructions to allow processing of essential travel documents for immediate family members including:
- TRVs: Temporary Resident Visas, an official document placed in your passport that demonstrates to Canadian authorities that you have met the requirements for admission into Canada as a Visitor, Student or Worker.
- eTAs: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly or transit through a Canadian airport
An immediate family member is defined as:
- spouses or common-law partners
- dependent children or grandchildren
- parents or step-parents
- guardians or tutors
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) must review each and has the discretion to determine if the purpose of their travel qualifies under the updated requirements for immediate family essential travel.
Family Members Affected by COVID Now Exempt Travellers
On June 8, 2020, IRCC announced that the immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents could also travel to Canada if entering to be with an immediate family member for a period of at least 15 days, and that the purpose of their trip did not need to fit the previous definition of “essential travel.” Parents and spouses must not exhibit any COVID symptoms and will have to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Do You Qualify for Essential Travel to Canada?
If you have questions about your immigration application or eligibility for you or your team to cross the U.S. / Canada border on business, or other immigration issues during the coronavirus restrictions or for post-restriction business, contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email contact@ackahlaw.com.
Have an immigration lawyer on your side:
Call Ackah Law BEFORE you cross the border: 403-452-9515
