How the coronavirus is affecting permanent residents

Posted April 29, 2020

From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Last updated: April 16, 2020

Will I be allowed to re-enter Canada if I’m a permanent resident?

Yes. If you’re a landed permanent resident and have no symptoms of COVID-19, you’re allowed to travel to Canada. You must quarantine for 14 days when you arrive even if you have no symptoms. This is mandatory.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, you will not be allowed to enter Canada by air. You can still enter at a land border and must quarantine for 14 days when you arrive. This is mandatory.

You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll be quarantined in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

If you’re travelling

You’ll need a valid permanent resident (PR) card or a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) to return to Canada by commercial vehicle (for example, airplane, bus, train or boat).

You can use other documents to return to Canada in a private vehicle that you own, borrow or rent (for example, a car, truck, motorcycle or recreational vehicle).

How to apply urgently for a PR card

What to do if your PR card expires when you’re outside Canada

If you haven’t landed yet

If we approved your permanent residence application on or before March 18, 2020, but you haven’t landed yet, you’re also exempt from the travel restrictions and allowed to come to Canada. You must quarantine for 14 days when you arrive, even if you have no symptoms. This is mandatory.

You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll be quarantined in a facility designated by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada.

Find out what to do for your landing appointment or if you have a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) that’s about to expire.

Are my family members allowed to come to Canada?

As a permanent resident, your immediate family members are exempt from the travel restrictions and allowed to come to Canada.

Your immediate family members must show that they’re coming to Canada for essential reasons and not reasons that are optional or discretionary, such as tourism, recreation or entertainment.

They also need a visitor visa or eTA to travel to Canada. Find out how they can come to Canada as a visitor.

Everyone who comes to Canada must quarantine for 14 days when they arrive.