COVID-19 & crossing the US-Canada border

Disclaimer: Immigration’s rules and procedures are changing daily. Information included in this article is current as of May 1, 2020.

The US-Canada border will remain closed until May 21, 2020 at least. The rules as to who can cross the US-Canada border have significantly changed in the last couple of weeks. It has become much harder to cross the border. If you are allowed entry into Canada, the Government of Canada will follow up with you by e-mail and phone to make sure that you respect the mandatory quarantine regulations. Peace officers may visit your Canadian place of residence to ensure your compliance.

1. Foreign nationals entering from the US:

Until recently the border officers were generally allowing entry of spouses of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The practical reality looks much different now. Even if your spouse is a Canadian and if you have a right to enter (on the basis of your passport or relevant Canadian immigration document), you will most likely be denied entry.

The only way for a foreign national to enter the country is if they can persuade the Canadian border officers that they are entering for an essential purpose. What is “essential” largely depends on the interpretation of the border officers. If you wish to come to Canada for an optional and discretionary purpose, you will be denied entry.

2. ArriveCan App:

Before you arrive at the border crossing, you must have the ArriveCan App installed on your mobile device. This is mandatory as of last week. The app helps the Canadian government verify that you respect the quarantine rules. The app can be downloaded on both iOS and Android phones.

3. Quarantine rules:

If you are allowed entry, you must respect the quarantine rules. The foreign national will be read out the rules at the border, but the Ontario Ministry of Health will also contact you to ensure that you know the law, find out about your living situation in Canada, inform you of the self-assessment portal and remind you that peace officers may come and see you at your Canadian address. You will also receive an e-mail reminding you that you must:

• stay at your place of quarantine for 14 days;
• not go to school, work, other public areas and community settings;
• monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19;
• arrange to have someone pick up essentials like groceries or medication for you;
• not have visitors;
• stay in a private place like your yard or balcony if you go outside for fresh air and
• not isolate in a place where you will have contact with vulnerable people, such as older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions

If you do not respect the mandatory quarantine, you may face:

• six months in prison;
• $750,000 in fines and/or
• police ticket from $275 to $1000.