Canada has introduced a new and faster means of visa processing that allows families to be together while they await their permanent residence permit.
This was made known by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser.
According to Fraser, applications will now be processed within 30 days, with spouses and dependents applicants benefitting from the new visa rule.
This is as this new application process has seen an approval rate of 93 per cent.
The minister tweeted via his official handle, @seanfraserMP, “families belong together,” to explain the reason for the new visa rule.
In a statement on Friday, the minister said, “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.
We are supporting Canadians and newcomers by reuniting families faster, and also allowing them to work and support themselves more quickly once they’re here.
“By doing so, Canada is helping newcomers achieve their true potential, while also strengthening Canada’s economy and social fabric.”
He explained the reason for the new policy in a tweet saying, “New ability for families to come to Canada temporarily while awaiting PR.
“Faster TRV processing times & new processing tools for spousal applicants.
“A new open work permit for spousal & family class applicants.”
With this new visa processing route, dependents will now be able to apply for and receive an open work permit as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class or other family class programmes.
He further revealed that spousal applicants and other open work permit holders, whose permits would expire between August 1 and the end of 2023, will be able to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months.
This development comes just a few days after the UK announced a new visa restriction policy that seeks to place a lid on the rising number of immigrants into the country which according to them has hit a million.
