How to Travel Between Canada and USA Despite Border Closure

Since 21^st March, the Canada-USA border has remained shut – with exceptions for business and trade, and temporary residence visa holders. The closure is expected to continue till late August. Residents of border towns and those whose family lives across the border have been impacted by the travel restrictions. There are specific protocols to cross the border during this time.

To enter Canada from USA

Entrants will be verified by the Canadian Border Service Agency, and must provide proof of the following:

• They are travelling to Canada for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose, or are transiting via Canada, or have an immediate family member in Canada.
• They are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms or signs.
• They intend to remain quarantined for 14 days after arrival, unless exempt.

Those who are not essential workers or in-transit or immediate family members, can hire Canada immigration professionals, who provide border crossing packages.

Entrants who are immediate family members of Canadian permanent residents/citizens must meet additional requirements:

• Not have contracted the COVID-19 virus
• Not have any reason to believe that they have contracted the COVID-19 virus
• Not display COVID-19 symptoms or signs
• Be entering Canada to stay with their immediate family member for at least 15 days
• Intend to remain quarantined for 14 days after arrival, unless exempt

Students and temporary workers entering Canada from USA must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be currently living in Canada, and possess a valid work permit.
• Be entering Canada for the first time to commence employment, have a valid work permit/work permit approval letter, and showcase proof of employment at an operational business in Canada.
• Be eligible to submit an application for a work permit at the port of entry, and showcase proof of employment at an operational business in Canada.

To enter USA from Canada

• US citizens and Green Card holders can enter USA from Canada despite border restrictions.
• Canadian nationals can enter USA if – within the 14 days preceding their entry to United States – they have not been in UK, the Schengen Area, Ireland, China, or Iran.

In both cases, immigration professionals can provide support to those who wish to successfully and safely cross the border. To seek guidance and understand which documents are required to meet the guidelines, Canadian and U.S. citizens, permanent residents, temporary workers or students can avail the services of licensed consultants. This will not only simplify the process, but also ensure that no unanticipated hurdles are encountered while crossing the border.