Temporary workers
Some temporary workers are exempt from travel restrictions if they’re coming for an
essential (non-discretionary) purpose.
Essential travel
Essential refers to travel for reasons that are non-discretionary and non-optional. The emergency orders under the Quarantine Act do not allow people to travel to Canada for optional or discretionary reasons, such as for tourism, recreation or entertainment.
Essential (non-discretionary) travel for a temporary worker
Your travel is
essential (non-discretionary) if you’re in
either of these situations:
- You have a valid work permit and normally live in Canada. This applies even if you’ve been laid off.
- You’re a worker who
- has a letter of introduction for a work permit (open or employer-specific), and
- has a valid job offer, and
- can work once you’ve completed your 14-day quarantine in Canada (unless you’re exempt)
Non-essential (discretionary) travel for a temporary worker
Your travel is
non-essential (discretionary) if you’re in either of these situations:
- You have a letter of introduction for an employer-specific work permit, but your employer has closed their business due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- You have a letter of introduction for an open work permit, but you don’t have a job contract and are planning to find a job once you arrive in Canada.
