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Show that you’re travelling to Canada for an essential reason

mlei9569

Star Member
Dec 11, 2019
178
75
Only speculation but possibly the only exception might be if a life or death situation of an immediate family member in Canada that travel simply cannot be delayed. The travel restrictions are in place in countries around the world obviously for a reason, to try to manage the spread of COVID hence essential travel only. Less we all forget people can have COVID without showing visible symptoms that is the frightening reality of someone boarding a 300 or so passenger plane.
Yes, but it just kind of sucks to be separated from your spouse right now and go through everything alone, especially after living together for years. One could only hope that you could travel with your spouse under dual intent and establish a life together.
 

Ggggg

Star Member
Apr 8, 2020
78
18
My husband is Mexican is would like to come to Canada to see his newborn son. Would that be essential ??
 

canuck78

VIP Member
Jun 18, 2017
55,605
13,529
My husband is Mexican is would like to come to Canada to see his newborn son. Would that be essential ??
Not really but it is really up to the airline agent or whoever they speak to that day from Canada if they have doubts. Your husband would have to quarantined out of your home for 14 days because a newborn would be considered vulnerable.
 

Ggggg

Star Member
Apr 8, 2020
78
18
Not really but it is really up to the airline agent or whoever they speak to that day from Canada if they have doubts. Your husband would have to quarantined out of your home for 14 days because a newborn would be considered vulnerable.
Out of my home ?
 

Ggggg

Star Member
Apr 8, 2020
78
18
I’d familiarize yourself with the Government’s quarantine rules
Btw, it’s too protect your infant
Do you mind sending me a link of where it says that? Just want to confirm. I knew he would have to isolate himself. But didn’t know it how to be apart
 

smileyface19

Star Member
Oct 3, 2019
76
9
Hi, i am on open work visa, my daughter on student visa. We were denied boarding the plane to meet our husband on w-1 closed visa who was there since January. We were to follow but got caught up in this quarantine. The airline contacted border patrol to ask if we can board but unfortunately they dont consider my trip as essential because 1. i dont have a job waiting for me since i am on open work permit. 2. my daughter's school won't start yet. So there you go, the family reunification seems BS because it doesn't make any sense if these restrictions undermine the family reunification program.
 

Canada2020eh

Champion Member
Aug 2, 2019
2,194
887
Sorry to hear that, hopefully the restrictions will be lifted soon and you can get to Canada to be wit your husband. It is too bad that they haven't been specific as to what is considered essential travel.
 

smileyface19

Star Member
Oct 3, 2019
76
9
Sorry to hear that, hopefully the restrictions will be lifted soon and you can get to Canada to be wit your husband. It is too bad that they haven't been specific as to what is considered essential travel.
Exactly, otherwise I wouldn't bother going through a lot of trouble rebooking and going to the airport with my daughter. We TRV holders are given the lowest and least priority in this ordeal.
 

Copingwithlife

VIP Member
Jul 29, 2018
4,488
2,256
Earth
Hi, i am on open work visa, my daughter on student visa. We were denied boarding the plane to meet our husband on w-1 closed visa who was there since January. We were to follow but got caught up in this quarantine. The airline contacted border patrol to ask if we can board but unfortunately they dont consider my trip as essential because 1. i dont have a job waiting for me since i am on open work permit. 2. my daughter's school won't start yet. So there you go, the family reunification seems BS because it doesn't make any sense if these restrictions undermine the family reunification program.
Don’t think calling the “ Family Reunification Program “ BS is quite right , when that particular program doesn’t even apply to you, can’t quite understand that it’s being undermined in your case .
It applies to Citizens & PR’s, which you’re neither
Husband = Work Permit
You (Spouse)= Work Permit /No job
Child = TRV
 

kylelowry

Star Member
Jun 6, 2019
92
24
Don’t think calling the “ Family Reunification Program “ BS is quite right , when that particular program doesn’t even apply to you, can’t quite understand that it’s being undermined in your case .
It applies to Citizens & PR’s, which you’re neither
Husband = Work Permit
You (Spouse)= Work Permit /No job
Child = TRV
Agreed. Also, family members of non PR's and citizens need a written authorization to travel. you need to obtain an authorization from the following:
IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
 

smileyface19

Star Member
Oct 3, 2019
76
9
We sold our car, moved out of our house, have no place to stay right now and living with other relatives. No one would ever feel how we would feel unless one is in our situation. In short, we prepared everything to go to Canada not just for leisure but to work and study.

Now in terms of what IRCC mentioned, I would like to quote what they said, in terms of reuniting with a family member who is on TRV:
  • to show a consular or immigration officer that you’re coming for an essential purpose, such as to live with your spouse, partner or parent
    • You’ll be refused an authorization if an officer finds that you’re travelling for an optional or non-essential purpose, such as for tourism, entertainment or recreation.
Now, it says here to show that you will live with your spouse, so if this is considered as "essential" then why was my claim considered as non-essential. What is the family reunification for after all?

Reuniting with an immediate family member who is in Canada temporarily

To board your flight to Canada, you must have written authorization from the Government of Canada to fly to Canada.


There are 2 ways to contact us to request an authorization:


  1. Email IRCC at IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. We’ll contact you within 48 hours of getting your email and tell you what to do next.
  2. Contact the nearest Government of Canada office abroad.

When you contact us, you must provide your


  • full name
  • date of birth
  • unique client identifier (UCI)
  • passport number
  • detailed reason for travel
  • proof of relationship with an immediate family member in Canada
  • proof of immigration status of your immediate family member in Canada
  • proof of temporary resident visa or eTA

If you don’t have written authorization, you won’t be allowed to board your flight to Canada, even if you have a valid visitor visa or eTA.


To be eligible to travel to Canada, you need



  • a written authorization from IRCC confirming that you are exempt from the travel restrictions
  • a valid visitor visa (if you’re from a country whose nationals require a visa) or an eTA (if you’re from a country whose nationals are visa-exempt)
  • a valid passport
  • to tell the airline that you’re exempt from the travel restrictions
  • to show a consular or immigration officer that you’re coming for an essential purpose, such as to live with your spouse, partner or parent
    • You’ll be refused an authorization if an officer finds that you’re travelling for an optional or non-essential purpose, such as for tourism, entertainment or recreation.
  • to have your health checked by airline officials to confirm that you don’t have symptoms of COVID‑19, including a fever, a cough and difficulty breathing
    • Anyone showing symptoms will not be allowed to board.