To see our website filtered by a specific destination, select the country: You are viewing content related to . To view a specific destination, . To view a specific destination, click here

Canada Eases Restrictions on Family Members Traveling to Canada

By Ella Bergquist October 14, 2020 (Updated December 29, 2021) 1 min. read
Family Cross Canada Border Reunification
Note: This article may be out of date and travel restrictions may have changed. Click here to explore the most recent updates and travel restrictions in Canada!

Family reunification is an important part of Canada’s immigration policy. Due to the current pandemic, the laws have made it quite hard for out-of-country family members to reunite with their Canadian family members. It was announced that the federal government will be easing the border crossing travel policies. They intend to ease these policies allowing more family members to travel into Canada.

The current border closure is still set to remain closed until October 21st for any non-essential travel but changes are coming to allow more family members into Canada on compassionate grounds. It was announced in early October 2020 that “compassion is needed in light of the worsening spread in some regions of Canada”.

Who Is Allowed to Enter Canada During Border Shut Down?

As of October 8th, extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can come to Canada. This includes conjugal relationships (dating exclusively for at least one year) and their dependent children, adult children, grandchildren, grandparents, and siblings.

In addition to extended family members, non-relative foreign nationals under compassionate reasons in specific circumstances may enter Canada. For example, a close friend experiencing life-threatening illness, critical injury, or death could visit Canada. “These situations could include being with someone you love to say goodbye at the end of their lives or attending a funeral, or end of life ceremony… The decision to allow someone to end their quarantine early will be coordinated with the provincial or territorial government,” said Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

Starting on October 20th International Students who are attending a Canadian university will be allowed to enter Canada as long as the educational institute has a COVID-19 readiness plan in place cleared by health authorities.

Get Help Crossing the Canadian Border to See Family

Even if you are included in one of the categories allowed to enter Canada there are steps and applications you must present in order to be allowed in. We highly suggest speaking with an immigration professional to determine the best path for you to enter Canada. Book a consultation with one of our licensed immigration professionals to help you cross the Canadian border during the border closure.

Sarah Quernasian Avatar

Sarah Quernasian

Lawyers here are so kind and sweet and provide so much information in an easy to understand way, especially about visa and obtaining work once in the country. My lawyer was very good and I’m looking forward to having her knowledge in the future for any other immigration needs.

Charles Scalise Avatar

Charles Scalise

The thought of immigrating was very stressful for me and my family, I felt lost. However, working with VisaPlace was very positive and I recommend them to those who need help with immigration. Their team worked with me very closely and presented to me multiple potential options and explained what the process would look like as well as the timeline. I’m so grateful to their guidance.

Pherry AshMalt Avatar

Pherry AshMalt

I won’t go into detail for privacy, but I was in a very bad situation where almost no lawyer would work with me or even provide me with legal counsel on my case. I was terrified of being removed from the country, but with the help of the professionals at VisaPlace, they were able to help me and I was allowed to stay. The relief I feel is immense. Thank you to the amazing team.

Walter J. Avatar

Walter J.

I was frustrated after talking to several different immigration firms. Many just didn’t seem honest or upfront. However, a friend recommended VisaPlace to me, and I am glad they did. I worked with a lady and she was very knowledgeable and explained the process to me. She was so essential for the immigration process. I would definitely go back to her if i needed any further support.

Marco Tame Avatar

Marco Tame

I’d like to be clear that I’m somewhat of a skeptic, especially when it comes to investing time and money into a new venture. I’m originally from the UK but I made the decision to migrate to Canada after meeting my girlfriend online six months ago. I know the process is going to take time, but I wanted legal counsel to make sure I approach the process in the most efficient way possible – I HATE wasting time. My consultation over the phone was informative and eased some of my initial concerns about potential hiccups. The lawyer I worked with was good about getting back to me, although occasionally she couldn’t be reached due to being in court – that was fine, she typically followed up relatively quickly. I’m now well within the process of immigrating and I have appreciated having the legal support.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.

Michael Her Avatar

Michael Her

It was pretty easy to make an appointment with visaplace. I have seen some people complain about the pricing, which is odd because in comparison to other firms, their rates are relatively fair. They were also honest and upfront with the complexities of my case and gave me the option to decide whether or not I wanted to move forward. I did end up moving forward and things have been going according to what we discussed. I am relieved to know there are honest professionals out there who won’t over-promise you things they can’t deliver.