IRCC expands the list of people who may enter Canada despite coronavirus travel restrictions
IRCC announced they intend to expand the list of people who may travel to Canada despite the coronavirus travel restrictions. However, to achieve this goal, they have enhanced their border security measures.
What are the new measures?
Some of the new measures include the following:
- A 24/7 access to a quarantine officer through the Central Notification System
- Deploying over 190 public health officials to major ports of entry by the end of the current fiscal year
- Implementing an improved information sharing system in the field of public health
- Increasing the number of call centre agents to enhance their response to phone calls
Of course, these measures are on top of the existing measures. For example, individuals must self-isolate for 14 days upon entry. Otherwise, they could face fines, imprisonment or removal from Canada.
Who may now enter Canada before October 8, 2020?
Currently, the following people may enter Canada despite travel restrictions:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada
- Certain family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada
- Parents
- Dependent children
- Spouses and common-law partners
- Tutors (the custodian or guardian of a Canadian minor child)
- Some foreign nationals who are outside the United States
- Temporary foreign workers
- Some international students
- Some people who have received their permanent resident visa
- Immediate family members of foreign workers or international students, if they receive approval from IRCC.
- Transiting passengers without leaving the secure area of the airport
- Some armed forces and their immediate family members
- Accredited diplomats and their family members
- Any person whose purpose is to make medical deliveries
- French citizens who live in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and have been in only Canada, the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon during the 14 days before the day they seek to enter Canada.
- Marine and aircrew members
- A person who receives an exemption from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
- A person who receives an exemption from the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; or Minister of Foreign Affairs on the grounds of the national interest
- Any person who is coming at the invitation of the Minister of Health for COVID-19 assistance
Of course, considering the current fluid situation, you must consult with CBSA or IRCC to ensure the exemptions apply to you. Nonetheless, make sure you have a 14-day comprehensive quarantine plan. Of course, you must present it to the Border Services Officers upon entry and expect audits from the authorities while on self-isolation.
Who may enter Canada on or after October 8, 2020?
IRCC intends to allow the following people to enter Canada on or after October 8, 2020. Of course, the list is on top of the list of people who have been enjoying the exemptions so far. Regardless, IRCC could make some changes to this list in the new future.
- Some extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- Those who are in an exclusive dating relationship for at least one year and their dependent children.
- Adult children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Certain foreign nationals for compassionate reasons, such as
- critical injury,
- death, or
- life-threatening illness.
Who may enter Canada on or after October 20, 2020?
IRCC intends to allow a group of international students to travel to Canada on or after October 20, 2020. Of course, they must hold a valid study permit or the approval of the study permit. Nonetheless, the Canadian provincial authorities must identify their school as having a COVID‑19 readiness plan in place.
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Al Parsai, MA, DTM, RCIC
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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