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Good news for those who are thinking about bringing family members to Canada. From October 8 onwards, Canada will allow extended family members and other people travelling to the country for compassionate reasons to cross the border. The extended family members who will be allowed to enter Canada from next week onwards include:
- Those who have been in an exclusive dating relationship with a citizen or permanent resident of Canada for at least a year.
- Children of Canadians above the age of 22, who are not considered dependents.
- Grandchildren
- Siblings including half/step siblings
- Grandparents
If they are staying in the country for more than 15 days and meet the necessary eligibility/admissibility requirements, they will not need to provide an essential reason.
But they need to:
- Provide required documentation that include a completed and signed statutory declaration that they meet the definition of an “extended family member”
- Travel with a valid passport and travel document
- Have written authorization from IRCC to travel to the country as an extended family member.
Like other travellers to the country, extended family members will also have to undergo 14-day quarantine period. However, the final decision on whether they should enter the country will be taken by a border services officer. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has also informed that more information that include the definition of extended family as well as the process and requirements will be revealed on October 8. The IRCC has also specifically said that the extended family members should not make any travel plans until they meet the requirements and obtained the necessary authorizations to enter Canada.
Bringing family members to Canada: Compassionate reasons
Those who plan to come to Canada for compassionate reasons, such as being present with a loved one in the final moments of their life, provide support to critically ill people as well as caring for those who need medical support are also allowed to enter the country. Foreign national may also travel to Canada for funeral of end-of-life ceremony.
Certain people who are travelling to the country on compassionate reasons are exempted from quarantine rules.
“The updates announced today respond to the needs of Canadian families who have been separated from their loved ones by international borders, some of whom are facing the most difficult period of their lives,” said Immigration Minister of Canada Marco Mendicino in a media release.
Canada is a country that gives ultimate importance to families. Do you wish to migrate to Canada with your family? Contact us for more information.
