Temporary Measures to Reunite Families of Indigenous Peoples Separated by Canada’s Border

Canada has introduced temporary immigration measures aimed at helping Indigenous people who live in the United States and whose family members or communities are in Canada, to reconnect across the border. These measures recognize that colonial borders have disrupted family, cultural, and community ties for many Indigenous communities.

What Are These Temporary Measures?

Under these measures, eligible Indigenous people will be allowed to:

• Apply to work or study in Canada with certain requirements waived.
• Extend their stay in Canada for up to three years, if already in Canada.
• Waive most application fees for eligible Indigenous persons and their family members.
• Submit applications in advance—applicants must apply before they travel or, if already in Canada, from inside Canada. Applications cannot be made at a border crossing.

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is limited to Indigenous persons in the U.S. whose family members live in Canada, or those already in Canada who meet the conditions.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Being an Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
• Having a family member in Canada.
• Submission of an application before entering Canada, or from within Canada if already present. Cannot make the application at the port of entry.
• Valid travel documents (passport, visa, or eTA as required) for travel to Canada and staying in Canada.