The Canadian Government has announced a new and faster means of visa processing that allows families to be together while they await their permanent residence permit.
According to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, the new measures were put in place to strengthen family reunification in Canada.
The new system will enable spouses, children, and parents of recent immigrants to join their loved ones in Canada faster.
The immigration minister noted that the new policy uses advanced analytics and technology to process Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) applications for family members of permanent residents and citizens in 30 days.
In 2022, Canada issued more than 1,075,000 work permits and work permit extensions.
The Minister said the development was Canada’s commitment to ensure that families are together, especially during life’s big moments like moving to a new country.
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of Canadian society. Today’s announcement is a mandate commitment to help build inclusive and resilient communities,” Fraser said.
Also, spousal applicants, along with other open work permit holders, whose open work permits expire between August 1 and the end of 2023, will be able to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months.
According to the statement, a similar option was recently offered to many with expiring post-graduation work permits.
NewsClick Nigeria reports that the development is coming few days after the United Kingdom indicated plan to ban some foreign students from bringing their family members into the country
However, Universities across the UK have rejected the new policy, describing it as a threat to the country’s global success as a top destination for international talent and needed to be considered very carefully.
