Extended family members can now travel to Canada.

As of October 8th, 2020, extended family members can now enter Canada. Similarly to the immediate family member requirements, extended family members must be staying for at least 15 days and meet the eligibility and admissibility requirements.

Extended family members must also apply for travel exemptions from IRCC. This requirement applies to all extended family members wanting to enter Canada no matter where they are entering from.

What Does Extended Family Mean?

You may be exempt if you are the extended family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, this means:

You have been in an exclusive dating relationship for at least one year and have spent time in the physical presence of that person during your relationship

You are a non-dependent child (adult child)
You are grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child)
You are a sibling, half-sibling or stepsibling
You a Grandparent

If you are related to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident’s spouse or common-law partner, you are considered extended family if:

You are an adult child
You are grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child)
You are a sibling, half-sibling or stepsibling
You a Grandparent

Lastly, you may also be eligible to enter Canada if you are related to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident’s dating partner if

You are a dependent child
You are an adult child
You are grandchild (dependent child of a non-dependent adult child)

How to Apply for Travel Exemption as an Extended Family Member?

IRCC has provided steps process to apply for the travel authorization as an extended family member:

Step 1: The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must complete the application for authorization and statutory declaration form
Step 2: You must sign the declaration
Step 3: The Canadian citizen or permanent resident signs the form in front of an authorized official who can administer a solemn declaration
Step 4: Once the above is completed, and you have obtained a copy of it, you must request written authorization from IRCC
Step 5: You will require the application for authorization and statutory declaration and written authorization from IRCC when you travel

You must travel to Canada within six months, or you will require a new statutory declaration.

How to Apply for Written Authorization From IRCC?

Depending on whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa or eTA to Canada will determine what next step you must take. How to Request Written Authorization From IRCC.