COVID-19: Some foreign nationals may qualify for limited exemptions from quarantine

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Foreign nationals traveling to Canada may now ask for partial exemption from mandatory quarantine requirements for compassionate reasons.

Key Points:

• A limited release from quarantine may be granted for the following compassionate reasons.

• • A need to be with a loved one for the final moments of life.
  • An individual providing care for a person who requires medical support or is critically ill.
  • An individual wishes to attend a funeral or end-of-life ceremony.

• Foreign nationals wanting a compassionate exemption must fill out an application, and provide documentation such as a burial permit, a death certificate, a Letter of Required Support or a medical certificate of death.
• If approved, the limited release from quarantine will give the foreign national permission to visit hospitals, funeral homes or a care facility. However, the individual must obtain permission from the location they will be visiting by completing a Site Visit Authorization application.
• Additionally, the individual must obtain a quarantine exemption from the specific province they will visit. It is important to note that not all provinces allow quarantine exemptions, even if the federal government has approved it.

Background: All travelers entering Canada must quarantine for 14 days, except those with limited exemptions.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.

This alert was prepared by de Lint LLP, an independent immigration law firm, allied with Deloitte LLP in Canada.