The closure of the Canada-US border has been extended till August 21, 2020. The move was confirmed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The Canadian border closure with the US started on March 21, 2020. This was done to ensure the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The extension of the closure is in response to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in many US states. This trend sounds alarms to the well-being of Canadian nationals and residents. Canada immigration has been restricted to prevent new infections.
The result of a recent poll showed that 80% of Canadians favor the decision to extend the closure of the Canada-US border. The US Congress has also though about a phased plan to reopen the border.
As of now, the Canadian border is closed to those who are arriving for non-essential travel. The only exemptions given are to immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are planning a stay of not less than 15 days.
According to IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), non-essential travel includes:
- Attending the funeral of a family member
- Spending time at a secondary residence like hunting, vacation home, or fishing lodge. This also includes traveling to Canada for upkeep or maintenance works
- Birth of a grandchild, cousin, niece, or nephew
- Visiting family for a vacation
Instances of essential travel as recognized by IRCC are:
- Attending to family affairs for non-discretionary or non-optional purposes when there's no one else available in Canada to help
- Studying in Canada if a study permit is already approved on or before March 18, 2020
- Transiting via Canada for non-discretionary or non-optional purposes
- Supporting indigenous communities
- Working on safety, security, and health (immediate medical care)
- Supporting critical infrastructure
- Supply chain and economic services
- Any other activities that are considered non-discretionary or non-optional by the Canadian government or based on the assessment by a relevant officer
However, no matter what the reason for travel or exemption, every traveler with symptoms of COVID-19 won’t be permitted to enter Canada.
Also, self-quarantine for 14 days is necessary upon arrival for anyone who’s coming from the US or any other country. So, it also becomes necessary for travelers who arrive in Canada to give a quarantine plan. This will show where and how they will stay and if they will be staying in Canada with people vulnerable to the disease.
If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.
If you found this blog engaging, you may also like…