Canada has launched a new visa application process that is faster, more considerate, and allows families to be together while waiting for their permanent residence permit. As announced by Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, applications will now be processed within 30 days, with spouses and dependents applicants benefitting from the new visa rule. The new visa process now has an approval rate of 93 per cent.
Fraser took to his official Twitter handle, @seanfraserMP, to tweet, “families belong together,” to explain the reasons for the new visa rule. Fraser said, “Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of Canadian society.”
The minister added that the new policy is to help build inclusive and resilient communities, stating that: “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.”
The Minister further explained that the new visa policy would include the ability for families to comes to Canada temporarily while waiting for Permanent Residency (PR), faster processing times for Temporary Resident Visas (TRV), and new processing tools for spousal 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. Fraser also 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.
The new visa processing is a mandate commitment to helping newcomers achieve their full potentials quickly while supporting Canada’s economy and social fabric. This announcement comes at a time when the UK recently announced a new visa restriction policy to control the rising number of immigrants into the country which according to them has hit a million.
Canada has proven that it is committed to compassionate and inclusive immigration policies that will benefit and unite families. This new policy is an opportunity for families, and it demonstrates Canada’s dedication to building resilient communities.
