I am writing this to get some accurate information and I hope you can answer. I am currently on an open work permit in

Hello – My name is ***** ***** I’m happy to assist you today. I am a Canadian lawyer who is able to answer immigration law questions.

To clarify - can you tell me what type of visa your wife has ? Does she have a work permit as well or a visitor visa ( temporary resident visa) ?

Feel free to ignore the pop up for the phone call. We can continue by text.

According to Canada's COVID 19 travel restrictions, you are able to re-enter Canada as a holder of a valid work permit who is still employed here and was living here before you left because your entry is treated as non-discretionary.

Your wife, who is considered your immediate family member under the travel restrictions, can also come with you and because she also has an open work permit. Just to be safe, I would suggest that you apply for written authorization under the travel restrictions from Canada Immigration to ensure her entry to Canada.

Here is a link with to Canada Immigration's webpage which details the travel restrictions as they apply to Temporary Foreign workers and how to apply for authorization

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/foreign-workers.html

Hope this answers your question.

To clarify - when you state ETA are you asking how long it will take to get this authorization or how to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization ?

No problem.

I do not know how long it takes this authorization. As as Legal Expert for JustAnswer, I answer legal questions by phone and text but cannot take individual cases. If you want an immigration lawyer to help you, you can consult the immigration section of Lexpert which is a website that has the names of leading lawyers in different areas of law. The lawyers named as all experienced lawyers.

Here is the link to Lexpert

https://www.lexpert.ca/directory/practice-areas/ranking/immigration-law-g1/

However, the process for getting the authorization is not complicated so you should be able to do it yourself.

Since airlines are the ones who are now doing a pre-screening to see who qualifies to enter Canada under the COVID travel restrictions, I would suggest that you call them to see if your wife will be allowed to board with proof of your marriage and her open work permit. If they tell you she is allowed to board, she most likely will not need the written authorization to enter Canada.

Only for your wife .

You are very welcome. The link I gave you explains who needs the authorization and how to apply.

Thank you for using JustAnswer.

All the best !