A path for extended family, compassionate travellers to apply under travel exemptions

Extended family members of Canadian citizens or Permanent residence holders who wish to travel to Canada due to Compassionate reasons will be allowed to enter the country if they fulfil the requirements announced by the federal government.

Such family members can now cross the border to Canada if they have plans to stay at least 15 days and become eligible by clearing existing eligibility and admissibility requirements. If an applicant is an extended family member, he/she does not require a non-optional, non-discretionary reason to cross the Canadian border.

Before applying one should know the definition of an extended family as per Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). According to IRCC extended family’s definition depends on how foreign traveller is related to the Canadian, or their spouse, common-law partner, or dating partner:

If an applicant is directly connected with the Canadian citizen or permanent residence holder, he/she can be exempt if:

• have been in an exclusive dating relationship  for at least one year and have spent time in the physical presence of that person at some point during the relationship;
• is a non-dependent child (adult child);
• is a grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child);
• is a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling; or
• a grandparent.

If he/she is related to the Canadian’s spouse or common-law partner they are considered extended family if he/she is:

• an adult child;
• a grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child);
• a sibling, half-sibling or step-sibling; or
• a grandparent.

And if he/she is related to the Canadian’s eligible dating partner, he/she is an extended family if he/she is:

• a dependent child;
• an adult child; or
• a grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child).

Such family members will be asked to provide a signed declaration by the Canadian citizen or permanent resident confirming his/her relationship. They will also need written authorization by IRCC.

How to apply for travel exemption as an extended family:

• Step 1: Applicant’s family member will have to fill out an application for authorization and statutory declaration
• Step 2: Applicant need to sign the declaration
• Step 3: Applicant’s family member will have to sign the form by solemn declaration
• Step 4: Applicant will have to collect a copy of the completed and signed form
• Step 5: Applicant will have to request written authorization to travel
• Step 6: The applicant can get a copy of the application for authorization and statutory declaration, as well as the written authorization with you when you travel.