If your family is living in Canada and you want to join them, you may be allowed to enter the country. You can be exempt from the current travel ban even if your family member in Canada has the status of a temporary resident.
The Immigration Ministry of Canada has policies to manage family reunification. However, there may be some conditions that prohibit foreign nationals to travel to Canada even to visit family.
All non-essential travelers coming to Canada by land have to follow public health measures. They would be required to show a negative report of the COVID-19 test. If you are traveling to meet your family members, you have to quarantine for a period of 14 days before visiting your family. And you have to show your quarantine plan to the border officer. It should include the details of the place where you will stay in quarantine and how you will get your groceries and essential items.
If you are traveling by air, you will have to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for up to three days and wait for your COVID-19 test results.
Immediate family members can travel to Canada
Do you want to visit your family member living in Canada (permanent resident or Canadian citizen)? Well, if yes, you can travel to Canada despite the travel restrictions. However, you will have to plan your trip for a period of at least 15 days.
The following can be the immediate family members:
- Parent or step-parent;
- Dependent child;
- Spouse or common-law partner;
- Guardian or a tutor;
- Dependent child of a dependent child;
Extended family members can meet their family in Canada
If you are an extended family member, you have to meet all the travel conditions set for immediate family members. And also, you must get a written authorization letter from IRCC to travel to Canada. This applies to all foreign nationals including U.S. nationals.
You can ask your family member staying in Canada to fill out an application for authorization and statutory declaration form. Both You and your Canadian family member will have to sign the form for authorization.
When you request the written authorization, you would require to submit proof that your Canadian family member is a citizen or permanent resident.
Who are extended family members in Canada?
- Person in a relationship with a Canadian for at least one year;
- Non-dependent child;
- Dependent child of a non-dependent child;
- Grandparent;
- Sibling, step-sibling, or half-sibling.
