Alberta is going to be the first Canadian province that will reduce the quarantine period for its foreign immigrants. The province will offer Covid-19 tests at specific land border crossings and airports.
Travelers need to register for the pilot by completing an application form. They will have 5 days before arrival to do so. If their test result comes out as negative, they need not complete their 14-day quarantine period.
According to the Alberta webpage, every returning foreign traveler needs to follow the mandatory quarantine period. Those who apply for the short quarantine pilot need to have a proper 14-day quarantine plan.
As of now, the program is just available for foreign travelers who arrive at the Calgary International Airport and through Coutts land border crossing. This pilot will soon expand to other locations.
However, for the time being, those who arrive from other airports are not eligible. The Edmonton International Airport will soon join the pilot in the early part of next year.
Important Pointers for Those Who Are Exempt from Travel Restrictions
Those who are eligible for the pilot include:
- Returning Canadians
- Foreign nationals who are exempt from any travel restrictions
There are several situations wherein foreign nationals are exempt. These include foreign travelers returning to Canada either to visit extended or immediate family members.
These travelers need to plan a longer stay in Canada, preferably for more than 15 days. If this is not going to happen, they need to have a good reason for their short duration stay in the country.
- Those who are exempt under any other category may be eligible for the pilot.
- Foreign students visiting a Designated Learning Institution with a proper Covid-19 readiness plan were added to the list of exempt travelers last month.
- Some approved permanent residents and work permit holders are also exempt.
The Canadian borders are now open to foreign nationals entering Canada for compassionate reasons. These may include reasons like to care for a sick loved one, to attend a funeral, or to be present during the final moments of somebody’s life.
Travelers who are not suitable for the reduced quarantine period include:
- Those who have been in close contact with a Covid-19 positive person in the last 14 days of arriving in Alberta
- People who have Covid-19 symptoms
- Those who lack a proper quarantine plan
Those arriving from a foreign country and transferred flights at some other Canadian airport before arriving in Calgary will not be eligible. It is important for travelers to arrive at the approved port of entry directly from abroad.
Travelers who are leaving Alberta for some other Canadian province in less than 14 days are not eligible as well. However, they may be eligible if they leave Canada from Alberta in less than 14 days.
Get in touch with us on WhatsApp or Call us at 905-671-4442. You may even email us at info@immigrationterminal.ca if you have any queries about your Canadian immigration application.