In Canada, it will be possible to violate ArriveCAN requirements, but only once

The Canadian government is relaxing the once-strict rules on ArriveCAN requirements, making exceptions for travelers who fail to provide mandatory health information.

The new rule provides more flexibility for those who are unaware of the requirements.

As a result, they will be “exempt from quarantine, testing, and fines on a one-time basis.”

Vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents, those registered under the Indian Act, and those with “no history of violations” are eligible for the exemption.

The exemption applies only when crossing the land border.

A spokesman for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said the temporary measures have been in effect since May, and as of July 29, the exemption applies to fully vaccinated foreign nationals entering Canada by land.

“We can tell you that from May 24 to August 4, 2022, of the 5,086,187 travelers eligible to enter through the land border, the one-time exception was used 308,800 times,” they said.

Those who used the one-time exception will receive information explaining their obligations to provide data to ArriveCAN when crossing the border in the future.

Canadian-Ukrainian Emergency Travel Permit (CUAET)

Canada has simplified the conditions of visa entry for Ukrainian citizens.

The CUAET visa allows Ukrainian citizens, in connection with the war in Ukraine, to obtain a visa for three years.

Ukrainian citizens and their families.

Family members are defined as:

  • spouse or civil partner of a citizen of Ukraine
  • their dependent child
  • dependent child of their spouse/civil partner or
  • dependent child of their dependent child

Can apply for a visitor visa and can be allowed to stay in Canada for a period of three years, as opposed to the standard 6-month authorized stay for regular visitors.

An electronic visa application will be processed within fourteen days of receipt of a complete application for standard, non-complex cases.

Ukrainian citizens are exempt from Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements but must meet all other public health travel requirements, such as quarantine and testing.

With few exceptions, all travelers to Canada, including those arriving under CUAET, must also use ArriveCAN.

All Ukrainians and their family members most of their application and processing fees, including visa application fees, biometric data collection fees, work and study permit application fees, visitor extension fees, and fees for the renewal of work and study permits.

CUAET is for Ukrainians and their family members who wish to temporarily come to Canada due to the crisis caused by President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and then return home when it is safe to do so. This is not a stream of refugee immigration.

Unlike refugee resettlement applications and permanent residence flows, there are no limits on the number of visas, work, and study applications we will accept under CUAET.

Ukrainians and their families working and studying in Canada will be able to gain valuable Canadian work or educational experience that will help them succeed in the future if they ultimately decide to seek permanent residence through IRCC immigration programs and streams.

For more information about CUAET fill out the form below.