IRCC will process eTAs and temporary visas for immediate family members

Canada recently announced that immediate family members of permanent residents and citizens in Canada will now be able to enter the country. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued new Ministerial Instructions stating that all the individuals who are exempt from travel restrictions will now be able to obtain TRVs and eTAs. Since immediate family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens are now exempt, they will be allowed to obtain the documents necessary to enter Canada temporarily.

It is important to note that the processing of electronic travel authorizations (eTAs) and temporary resident visas (TRVs) will continue to be suspended for individuals who have not been declared as exempt. People traveling to the country for essential purposes, as well as immediate family members who can stay in Canada for a minimum of 15 days, will be eligible for these documents.

Important things to know

Canada included immediate family members under the exempt category and stated that the reason for travel would not have to be “essential,” which means that people can now reunite with their loved ones.

Immediate family includes:

• Spouses or common-law partners
• Grandchildren
• Parents or step-parents
• Dependent children
• Guardians or tutors.

However, the family members will have to abide by a few conditions in order to enter the country.

• Their trip should be at least 15 days long.
• They must self-quarantine for two weeks after stepping into Canada.
• They should not have COVID-19 or any related symptoms.

Some immediate family members will require TRVs and eTAs, and the Ministerial Instructions announcement aims to solve that issue.