Canada Releases Additional Details on Entry for Extended Family Members & Limited Release from Quarantine for Compassionate Reasons
On October 8, 2020, Canada officially released the details regarding individuals exempt from the Canadian border restrictions and options for obtaining limited release from the 14-day mandatory quarantine in Canada for compassionate reasons.
Under the new rules, the following individuals are now eligible to enter Canada if they obtain the proper authorization:
- An immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more. An immediate family member is considered a spouse or common-law partner, dependent child, dependent child of a dependent child, parent or step-parent, or guardian or tutor.
- A person who is authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons such as being present for the final moments of life for a loved one, providing support to a person deemed critically ill, providing care to a person who medically requires support, or attending a funeral of end-of-life ceremony.
- An extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is staying in Canada for 15 days or more. To be considered an extended family member, you must meet the following:
If your relationship is with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must be:
- in an exclusive dating relationship, have been in the relationship for at least one year and have spent time in the physical presence of that person at some point during the relationship;
- a non-dependent child (adult child);
- a grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child);
- a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling; or
- a grandparent.
If you’re related to the spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must be a
- non-dependent child (adult child);
- grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child);
- sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling; or
- grandparent.
If you’re related to someone in an exclusive dating relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must be a
- dependent child;
- non-dependent child (adult child); or
- grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child).
Additionally, individuals authorized by the Public Health Agency of Canada to travel to Canada for the compassionate reasons listed above may also be allowed limited release from quarantine. However, these requirements vary by province.
Travelers who meet these criteria and are interested in traveling to Canada will need to submit an application directly to the Canadian government, along with supporting documentation. Berardi Immigration Law is able to assist with these applications, so be sure to contact us immediately to get started!
Published 8 October 2020
