Foreign nationals traveling to Canada need to be doing so for ‘non-optional and non-discretionary’ intentions even if they are included by exceptions to COVID-19 limitations, the federal government states.
New guidance announced by Refugees, Immigration, and Citizenship Canada (I.R.C.C) says those covered by exceptions to travel limitations will not be permitted to travel ‘for the intentions of recreation, tourism, and entertainment’.
The condition also covers international citizens who are entering from the USA. Those traveling from the US don't require to be covered by an exception but do require to be traveled for the reasons of non-optional and non-discretionary.
The guidance also covers a particular section for travel for family reunification intentions.
New Specific Guidance
Illustrations of the optional and discretionary travel types that are not allowed include:
- To meet family for a vacation.
- For the birth of a nephew, grandchild, cousin, niece, etc.
- To spend time at a subsidiary residence (hunting or fishing lodge, vacation home, etc.). This covers entry for upkeep or maintenance plans.
- To attend for the family member funeral.
Illustrations of non-optional and non-discretionary purposes offered by I.R.C.C involve travel for:
- Significant infrastructure support.
- Economic services and also supply chains.
- Health (urgent medical care), security, and safety.
- Strengthening Indigenous communities.
- Transiting by Canada for non-optional or non-discretionary intentions.
- Studying in Canada if previously accepted for a study permit on or prior to March 18.
- Tending to family affairs for non-optional or non-discretionary intentions when there is no one is available in Canada to help.
- Any other actions that are considered as non-optional or non-discretionary intentions by the Canadian Government or based on an officer’s evaluation.
Family Reunification
The guidance cautions that family bonds do not automatically eligible as non-optional or non-discretionary travel. “members of the Family will be needed to prove that they are not traveling for a discretionary or optional intention such as a regular family visit,” the guidance states.
I.R.C.C examples of non-optional or non-discretionary travel for family reunification comprise:
- To take up permanent residence in Canada.
- To care for an unwell family member or a family member who is incapable to care for themselves when no alternative arrangements can be made.
- The international immediate member of the family spends the period of the pandemic with their Canadian citizen family member so they can support to assure each other’s safety, health, and well-being.
- Shared custody contract over borders, as this would be complying with the order of the court.
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