Yes. If you are travelling by air, you should identify yourself to airlines when you are boarding to confirm that you are exempt from travel restrictions by presenting a valid work permit. However, you will be required by law to self-isolate in Canada for 14 days upon your return (see below).
Coronavirus Travel Advice for
Temporary Foreign Workers
I have been approved for a work permit, can I enter Canada right now?
Yes. If you are travelling by air, you should identify yourself to airlines when you are boarding to confirm that you are exempt from travel restrictions by presenting a valid work permit. by presenting a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction that shows that you were approved for a work permit, including if you are coming under International Experience Canada. You must have received your letter before March 18th in order to be admissible under this exemption to come to Canada. However, you will be required by law to self-isolate in Canada for 14 days upon your return (see below).
Please also remember that non-essential businesses are closed, especially in the service industry, or are operating with limited staff. If you have a job with a specific employer, confirm with them that they are continuing to operate and that the position they have hired you for is still needed. If you intend to come to Canada with an open work permit, keep in mind that it may be very difficult to secure a job at this time.
I am an international student, and I have been approved to study in Canada, can I still take my flight?
Yes but before travelling to Canada, you should check with your designated learning institution to make sure your course or study program is still operating. You need to know what to expect upon arrival and during your studies.
If the self-isolation requirements are still in effect at the beginning of your learning program, you may have courses online. This will not affect your in-class requirements for applying for a post-graduation work permit in the future.
What if I have a visitor visa?
Until further notice, you cannot travel to Canada even if you have a valid visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA).
What happens if I develop symptoms during the flight or if I believe I was exposed with someone who is sick with Covid-19?
If you develop symptoms during your flight to Canada, tell a border services officer when you arrive in Canada. Failure to do so could be considered as a crime. If you do not have symptoms but believe you were exposed to someone who was sick with COVID-19, you must report this to a border services officer when you get to Canada. The border services officer will give you instructions to follow.
What if I develop symptoms during my 14 days of self-isolation?
If you develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing during your 14 days of self-isolation, you should :
- Continue to isolate yourself from others
- Call the public health authorities in the province or territory where you are located (811 in most Canadian provinces and 1-877-644-4545 in Québec) in order to tell them about your symptoms and travel history. They will give advice on what you should do.
How do I proceed if I need to extend my work permit while the pandemic situation is still happening?
If you need to apply to extend your work permit, you must do so online. You cannot travel to a Port of Entry to get immigration services at this time.
As a temporary foreign worker, would I be eligible for the federal government support in case of lay-off?
If you are laid off or have to take sick leave while working in Canada, you may be eligible to receive employment insurance or other income support benefits from the federal government. Visit this page for more information.
