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

jddd

Champion Member
Oct 1, 2017
1,517
565
The government could still provide us with an option to reunite with our family while protecting public safety. A lot of us are perfectly happy to quarantine with our loved ones at home, and the government could put in more measures to ensure that travelers are observing the rules. We have loved ones in Canada and want to keep Canada safe as well, that is why we want to bring this attention to the government so that they can introduce policies that balance public safety and our predicaments.

As a reminder, some of us are in the process of relocating internationally after a long wait, some are being forced to choose between family in Canada and spouses abroad, and some are separated from their spouses for months with no clue when they will ever see each other again. It's natural that we publish our frustrations sometimes, just like anyone would. But if you decide to call it out, please be kind.
First, thank you for such a civil response. I appreciate it. Next, I am sure you read my response and I repeatedly said I understood where he was coming from but that calling the government shameless was selfish and uncalled for. Maybe you have a kinder way of saying that. I do not. That to me is kind. We can air out our frustrations. But shameless is a strong and incorrect word for what the government is right now. Again, if this seems unkind, I really have no idea how else to phrase it. If we want to bring this to the attention of the government (and I do because I am affected as well), then we use intelligent arguments (like you have) and a civil manner to do so. Insulting the government will not work. This is also why I suggested a petition. Lastly, I would hope that your reply is also targetted to the soldier who resorted to personal attacks.
 

mlei9569

Star Member
Dec 11, 2019
178
75
Someone wrote to the PM on this issue and this is the reply he received:

"I would like to acknowledge receipt of your email, in which you expressed an interest in meeting with the Prime Minister regarding non-essential travel between Canada and the United States.

Please be assured that your comments have been carefully reviewed. Unfortunately, the Prime Minister is unable to meet with you at this time. I regret that our reply could not be positive.

As you know, the issues you raise fall more directly within the purview of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, to whom I note you have also sent a copy of your email. While the Prime Minister appreciates being made aware of your concerns, he will leave your correspondence to be considered by Minister Blair."

For anyone who's being directly affected by the policy, and anyone who believes a family should be together. Please consider writing to Bill Blair.
 
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fruze

Full Member
Jan 28, 2020
35
6
Does anyone know what documents to include in Husband’s proof of citizenship? Apart from passport. Thanks!
 

fruze

Full Member
Jan 28, 2020
35
6
We did (passport and certificate), our view is, more proof the better.

thanks! I only submitted his passport and they told me not sufficient...
and did u submit a letter from your spouse? like what do they want him to write in the letter?That I’m his wife? thanks in advance!
 

CDNsoldier

Hero Member
Jan 9, 2020
278
177
Toronto, Canada
Category........
FAM
Visa Office......
Spousal Sponsorship
thanks! I only submitted his passport and they told me not sufficient...
and did u submit a letter from your spouse? like what do they want him to write in the letter?That I’m his wife? thanks in advance!
“Not sufficient” as proof of citizenship or essential travel?

Canadian passport are one of the clear examples given my them as proof of Citizenship. So, your Canadian spouse’s passport and your marriage certificate is suffice proof that your relationship It with Canadian citizen. All the best and good luck!
 

fruze

Full Member
Jan 28, 2020
35
6
"Please be advised you have not submitted all the required documents for us to assess your eligibility to be exempt from the restrictions to travel to Canada.

Therefore, we are unable to process your request.

If you wish to continue applying for an Authorization for Exemption from Canadian Travel Restrictions for the Purpose of Family Reunification, you need to resubmit your request and include the missing document(s): [Husband’s Proof of Canadian Citizenshipn must include all required documentation, including any that were previously missing."

this was sent to me. so im not sure what else should i submit apart from his passport and our marriage certificate.
 

jddd

Champion Member
Oct 1, 2017
1,517
565
"Please be advised you have not submitted all the required documents for us to assess your eligibility to be exempt from the restrictions to travel to Canada.

Therefore, we are unable to process your request.

If you wish to continue applying for an Authorization for Exemption from Canadian Travel Restrictions for the Purpose of Family Reunification, you need to resubmit your request and include the missing document(s): [Husband’s Proof of Canadian Citizenshipn must include all required documentation, including any that were previously missing."

this was sent to me. so im not sure what else should i submit apart from his passport and our marriage certificate.
It was not for me. We asked for a letter for our children. We were not asked for any new documents, it was simply rejected to be non-essential even if they have COPR.

We did a letter explaining how they can quarantine once here and what the plans are once they arrive.
 

Sepi

Member
Apr 8, 2020
19
11
Hi,

Does anyone know how long does it take for IRCC to process visitor visa apllications these days?

Thanks.
 

ryester

Champion Member
Oct 11, 2018
1,149
675
Thanks!! Do i have to submit both my husband’s passport and citizenship card?
Documents to use as proof that you’re an immediate family member

You must have 2 types of documents

  • 1 that shows your immediate family member’s status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • 1 that shows your relationship to that family member
Documents that show your immediate family member’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status include

  • a Canadian passport
  • proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a citizenship certificate, citizenship card, or provincial or territorial birth certificate
  • a Canadian permanent resident card
  • a Canadian permanent resident travel document
  • a visa-exempt foreign passport with an IRCC Special Authorization for Canadian Citizens
Documents that show your relationship to that family member include

  • a marriage or common-law status certificate
  • a birth certificate
  • Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) for the family class (the COPR category under Application Details will be FC) or under the One‑Year Window of Opportunity Program (coded OYW under Special Program)
  • other documents that show an immediate family connection (for example, correspondence from us showing a spousal sponsorship application in progress or documents that show a shared home address)
Note: Paper and electronic copies of the documents above are accepted.

for more details, please go to the following link,
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html
 

ryester

Champion Member
Oct 11, 2018
1,149
675
"Please be advised you have not submitted all the required documents for us to assess your eligibility to be exempt from the restrictions to travel to Canada.

Therefore, we are unable to process your request.

If you wish to continue applying for an Authorization for Exemption from Canadian Travel Restrictions for the Purpose of Family Reunification, you need to resubmit your request and include the missing document(s): [Husband’s Proof of Canadian Citizenshipn must include all required documentation, including any that were previously missing."

this was sent to me. so im not sure what else should i submit apart from his passport and our marriage certificate.
If you are talking about getting the authorization letter from IRCC, here is the detail,
ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES RECEIVED THROUGH THIS INBOX WILL NOT BE ANSWERED.

1. Written authorization from the Government of Canada
Who needs to request a written authorization from this inbox?1. You are a foreign national wanting to reunite with an immediate family member residing in Canada that is NOT a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident; and
2. You hold a valid visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or applied for one before April 9, 2020 and the application is still in progress; and
3. You are travelling to Canada for an essential purpose.
Who is considered an immediate family member?Spouse or common law partner, dependent child, dependent child of a dependent child, parents or step parents, guardian or tutor.
How do I apply for a written authorization letter?Email us at IRCC.COVID-TravelExemptions-Exemptionsdevoyage-COVID.IRCC@cic.gc.ca and provide all the following information for you and your immediate family member in Canada:
· Full name
· Date of Birth
· UCI
· Application Number
· Passport Number
· Detailed purpose of travel
· Proof of relationship with an immediate family member in Canada
· Proof of immigration status of the immediate family member in Canada
· Proof of Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization
All requests that do not include the above information will be considered incomplete and deleted. If you have already submitted an incomplete request but meet the above criteria, please resend all documents and information in a single email.



2. Exemptions from the travel restrictions
Who needs to tell this inbox they are exempt from the travel restrictions?· You are a foreign national who applied for a visitor visa before April 9, 2020 and the application is still in progress; and
· You are exempt from the travel restrictions; and
· You are travelling to Canada for an essential purpose.
Who is exempt from the travel restrictions and can enter Canada without written authorization?· Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
· Temporary foreign worker who has a valid work permit or was approved a work permit and coming for essential purpose
· Student who has a valid study permit or was approved for a study permit on or before March 18, 2020
· Foreign national who is coming for an essential (non-discretionary) purpose from the United States
· Immediate family member of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, in Canada or abroad.
· Other exemptions
What to do if I’m exempt and need to apply for a TRV (visitor visa)· Starting April 9, you must apply online
· You must tell us why you’re exempt from the travel restrictions and why you’re travelling for an essential purpose.
· When answering the question on the application form about the purpose of travel, enter the following information exactly as written to ensure your application is prioritized:
a) For question 1 a) purpose of travel, choose “other” from the drop-down menu.
b) For question 1 b) description field, write COVID-19 exactly like this (you must use capital letters).
What to do if I’m exempt and need to apply for an eTA, or if I already applied for oneYou’ll need to send a Web form to tell us why you’re exempt from the travel restrictions and why you’re travelling for an essential purpose.
 

ryester

Champion Member
Oct 11, 2018
1,149
675
In general, IRCC will NOT provide authorization letters to immediate family members of Canadian citizens and PRs. They stated clearly here:
Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
To board your flight to Canada, you must

  • 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.
  • tell the airline that you’re exempt from the travel restrictions
  • show that you’re travelling to Canada for an essential (non-discretionary) reason and not for reasons that are optional or non-essential, such as tourism, recreation or entertainment
  • present proof to show that you’re an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
  • make sure you have a valid travel document (visitor visa or eTA) and a passport that is valid to fly to Canada
You do not need a written authorization from the Government of Canada confirming that you are exempt from the travel restrictions

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/travel-restrictions-exemptions.html

From my personal experience, I got reply from IRCC and they reiterate my spouse is exempt and does not need this letter. But I do see in some cases in this forum, spouses managed to get such letter.
 
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