Families are the foundation of our lives, and Canada understands the importance of keeping loved ones together, especially when starting a new chapter in a different country. Recognizing this, the Canadian government has introduced new measures to expedite and simplify the process of family reunification. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, joined by the Honourable Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, recently announced these initiatives, aimed at making it easier for families to reunite and establish themselves in Canada.
Faster Processing Times and Dedicated Tools
To minimize the time families spend apart, Minister Fraser unveiled faster processing times for spousal Temporary Resident Visas (TRV). Going forward, the majority of these applications will be processed within just 30 days. Additionally, new and dedicated processing tools have been implemented to provide more personalized and considerate application measures, tailored to the unique circumstances of spouses and dependents. This streamlined approach has already yielded positive results, with an impressive approval rate of 93% among applicants who have benefited from these enhancements.
Open Work Permits for Family Class Applicants
Recognizing the need for newcomers to support themselves and their families upon arrival, Canada has introduced open work permits for spousal applicants and their dependent children who reside with their sponsor in the country and hold temporary resident status. This means that as soon as a complete permanent residence application is submitted under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs, spouses, partners, and dependents can apply for and receive an open work permit. This opportunity empowers them to contribute to the workforce and integrate into Canadian society more seamlessly.
Work Permit Extensions
In an effort to provide stability and continuity for open work permit holders, Minister Fraser announced that spousal applicants, along with other open work permit holders, whose permits expire between August 1 and the end of 2023, will have the option to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months. This extension mirrors the recent offering made to individuals with expiring post-graduation work permits. By extending work permits, the government ensures that families can continue their employment and maintain their livelihoods while their permanent residence applications are being processed.
Open work permits are available to foreign nationals in a number of different situations, but not all will be eligible for an extension through this facilitated processing measure. It will only be offered to
permanent residence applicants awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application and their spouses
family class-sponsored spouses with valid temporary resident status and their dependent children
spouses and common-law partners of most work permit holders and their dependent children
spouses and common-law partners of study permit holders
Canada's commitment to family reunification shines through the implementation of these new measures. By expediting processing times, providing dedicated tools, and introducing open work permits and extensions, the government is making it easier for families to come together and build their futures in Canada. These initiatives not only fulfill the Minister's mandate to strengthen family reunification but also address labor shortages by facilitating temporary resident status for spouses, partners, and dependent children waiting for permanent residence.
Got more questions about this new policy or you would love to come to Canada through one of the new measures? Schedule a session with one of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants who would assess and advise on the best pathway for you and your family. Canada remains dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all those seeking to reunite with their loved ones and embark on a new chapter in their lives.