June 9, 2020, MISSION, BC — MISSION, BC — After weeks of advocacy led by Pierre Paul-Hus, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Safety, Border Security and Emergency Preparedness, the federal government has finally put in place a reunification mechanism for separated family members of Canadian citizens & permanent residents.

Beginning today, June 9th, 2020, foreign nationals who do not have COVID-19 and are symptom-free AND are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to enter Canada to be with family members for longer than 14 days. Foreign nationals are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, following the same protocol as Canadian citizens and residents returning from abroad.

“Everyone dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 knows that family is an essential support during this time,” said MP Brad Vis. “The CBSA’s recent change to travel restrictions is overdue but welcome news for the many constituents in Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon with family ties on both sides of the Canada-US border.”

Immediate family members include:
a) a spouse or common-law partner;
b) a dependent child;
c) a parent or step-parent or the parent or step-parent of the person’s spouse or
common-law partner;
d) a guardian or tutor.

Foreign nationals from any of the above categories are still prevented from entering Canada if they have COVID-19 or display its symptoms. Family members of temporary foreign workers are not covered by these exceptions. The temporary restriction on all discretionary/optional travel at the Canada-U.S. border put in place on March 21 at 12:01 a.m. EDT continues. This restriction is in place until at least June 21, 2020.

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CBSA Public Contact:
contact@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
1-800-461-9999

CBSA Media Contact:
questions@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
613-957-6500 or 1-877-761-5945
MP Office Contact:
Brittany Lang
Constituency Manager
Tel: 604.814.5710
Email: Brittany.lang.817@parl.gc.ca