Family members of temporary foreign workers or TFWs also fall under travel restrictions. However, they are still allowed to enter Canada.
Family members refer to:
- Spouses
- Common-law partners
- Dependent children
These family members of Canadian citizens or PR holders are exempt from travel restrictions if they intend to stay in Canada for more than 15 days. However, the rule is different for the families of TFWs.
Family members are allowed to visit Canada for reuniting with other immediate family members. When you talk about family members of TFWs, it does not cover temporary visits.
You either have to visit for some important purpose or for establishing residence with your family member. It is important for this member to be staying in Canada as a temporary resident.
Family members of TFWs have to fulfill two basic criteria upon which they may enter Canada. This is as per the rules set by the IRCC’s program delivery instructions.
- They need to be specifically exempt from the travel restrictions on their own accord. If they are not otherwise exempt, they will require a written authorization letter to enter Canada. It is known as an FRL.
- Family members of foreign citizens should arrive in Canada for a non-discretionary purpose. There are some who wish to visit Canada under the family reunification exemption. An IRCC officer will assess their non-discretionary reason. This is when the officer decides whether or not to issue the FRL. When you present this letter to a border official, it will prove that your travel is non-discretionary. The border official will have the final say on whom to allow access to Canada. They may use their discretion if the official finds conflicting or new information given to them.
Family members arriving from the US do not require the FRL. However, they still need to prove that their purpose of entering Canada is to establish themselves with the temporary resident.
How Will IRCC Decide Whom To Provide The FRL?
IRCC will decide whom to provide with the FRL. First of all, they check to see whether the purpose of visiting Canada is non-discretionary or not.
When it comes to non-discretionary visits, it means reuniting with the immediate family. This is especially for the family members of temporary residents.
The duration of their stay will suggest some degree of permanency. For instance, if the spouse works in the country for a year and the family members wish to stay with the person for the same duration.
If the purpose is studying or working in Canada, there are different provisions for those. It is important for workers to fulfill the needs of a Foreign Worker Program. They should also have a non-optional travel purpose.
The work permit status will not work for those who visit Canada for family reunification. In lieu, IRCC checks for their relationship with the Canadian temporary resident.
They also check to see whether their reason to travel is just to visit or establish residence. In Canada, visiting a temporary resident is not considered essential travel.
You will find the procedure to request an FRL on the IRCC webpage. It naturally depends on your situation. It will change based on whether you have an eTA or a valid visitor visa or if you do not need either.
Checklist for the Airport
According to the IRCC, it is better for you to get a written authorization before you book your flight to Canada.
If your country of origin is anywhere apart from the US, you will require some documents to board the flight:
- A valid passport
- A valid eTA or visitor visa
- Inform the airline that you are exempt from travel restrictions
- Let the immigration officer know that you are traveling for an essential reason. If they find out that your purpose of travel if discretionary or optional you will be refused to board the flight
- Get yourself checked by airline officials to confirm that you are free from any symptoms of Covid-19. This may include a cough, fever, and issues with breathing.
Airline personnel in your country of origin will also check your suitability to travel. If they allow you to travel and Canadian border officials find you improperly documented, they can charge the airline a penalty of CAD $3,200. This will be in administrative fees.
You also need to prove it to the officials that you have a proper 14-day quarantine plan and have installed the ArriveCAN app. Canada is soon going to ask immigrants for a negative Covid-19 test certificate upon arrival.
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 temporary or permanent residence application.