Get answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions around why this community exists, how to help, what we’re requesting for family reunification, ongoing efforts, and more.
Use the find/search function in your browser (key control+F) to search for a term.
Q. Who can enter Canada right now?
A. Below is a list of who is allowed to enter Canada at this moment. For more details, click here
You can travel to and enter Canada if you’re a/an:
- A permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- A Dual Canadian citizen with a valid Canadian passport or special authorization
- A person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
- A protected person
- An immediate family member of a permanent resident or citizen of Canada
- An extended family member of a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, who has written authorization from IRCC
- A person who is authorized by the PHAC to travel to Canada for compassionate reasons
- Traveling for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose
Q. Am I considered immediate family by the Canadian government?
A. Below is a list of who the Canadian government considers to be 'immediate family'.
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent child
- Parent or step-parent
- Guardian or tutor
To learn more, click here
Q. What is a common-law partner?
A. A common-law partner is a person who has been living with another person in a conjugal relationship for at least one year. This does not count intermittent cohabitation adding up to one year.
To learn more, click here
Q. Am I considered Extended Family by the Canadian government?
A. Below is a list of who may qualify for entry as 'extended family,' provided they meet all other entry requirements. Click here for more instructions on how to reunite with your extended family member.
- In an exclusive dating relationship for at least 1 year and you have spent time in each other's physical presence at some point in 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
- 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
- Sibling, Half-sibling, or step-sibling
- 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)
- Grandchild
Q. What is a Compassionate Exemption and how do I apply?
A. This will allow you to enter Canada to attend the funeral of a loved one, be there in a loved one's last moments of life, or help provide medical care and support for a critically ill loved one. Click here for more details on compassionate exemptions, including how to apply for one.
Q. What if my loved one in Canada is a temporary resident?
A. A temporary resident is someone who is living in Canada but does not have citizenship or permanent residency. For example, they may be there on a study permit or a work permit. To reunite with your immediate family member who is a temporary resident in Canada, you will need written authorization from the IRCC. Click here if you are trying to reunite with an immediate family member who is a temporary resident in Canada. You will need to have an essential, non-discretionary reason for travel. Unfortunately, Canada has left out temporary residents from the extended family reunification travel exemptions. As an advocacy group, we have always included temporary residents in our reunification ask, and we will continue to ask the government for this.