On May 26, 2023 (Vancouver), new initiatives to improve family reunions were launched by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, along with the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre. These initiatives aim to facilitate family reunification and enhance the overall experience for immigrants in Canada. Family reuniting through immigration is a core tenet of Canadian civilization, reflecting the commitment to support the development of diverse and resilient communities.
By reuniting families swiftly, Canada not only addresses feelings of compassion but also strengthens its economy and social fabric while enabling immigrants to find employment and sustain themselves more rapidly after arriving. Minister Sean Fraser emphasizes that by facilitating family reunification, Canada helps immigrants realize their full potential.
Furthermore, Canada has taken steps to enhance customer service and expedite application processing, having completed more than 5.2 million applications in 2022 across all business lines, leading to millions of people receiving decisions on their cases. Beginning in July 2022, new spousal sponsorship applicants can anticipate that their requests will be handled within the regular 12-month processing time for 80% of non-Quebec requests. These improvements in processing times demonstrate Canada’s commitment to reuniting families more swiftly and efficiently.
Foreign nationals who meet specific criteria can be granted open work permits, which provide opportunities for employment and stability in Canada. In 2022 alone, Canada issued more than 1,075,000 initial work permits and renewals, further supporting newcomers in their integration into Canadian society.
One of the key developments introduced through these initiatives is the introduction of quicker processing times for spousal applications for temporary residence visas (TRV). These applications, along with the newly developed processing methods, are specifically designed for married TRV candidates. To navigate this process smoothly and ensure all necessary documentation is in order, it is advisable to seek guidance from the best educational consultancy for Canada and Canada study visa consultants who can provide expert assistance.
Moreover, a new open work permit is now available for spousal and family class applicants. Eligible individuals can seek the support of abroad education consultants and visa immigration consultants to navigate the application process and meet all the requirements. Holders of open work permits expiring between August 1 and December 31, 2023, can apply for available work permit extensions, providing them with ample employment opportunities in Canada.
Minister Fraser has also proposed expedient temporary resident visa (TRV) processing and compassionate application procedures to allow families to spend more time together while waiting for their permanent residency to be approved. Thanks to these measures, most of these applications will now be handled within 30 days, offering faster reunification for families. This focus on family reunion highlights Vancouver’s fortitude, resiliency, and compassion as the city strives to build a community where each person has a sense of belonging and every family can thrive, as mentioned by the Hon. Hedy Fry, Vancouver Centre Member of Parliament.
In conclusion, these initiatives fulfill the Minister’s mandate letter commitment to strengthen family reunification by facilitating temporary resident status to spouses, partners, and dependent children waiting for permanent residence. If you are considering studying in Canada or planning to reunite with your family, it is advisable to seek the assistance of reputed consultancy and study abroad consultancy services that can provide expert guidance and support throughout the process. By leveraging their expertise, you can navigate the complexities of the immigration system, benefit from enhanced processing times, and contribute to Canada’s economy while addressing labor shortages.