News Release
Ottawa, Ontario
Families are meant to be together, especially during life’s big moments like moving to a new country. That is why Canada is working to help families reunite more quickly and easily, and support themselves once in Canada. Because solidifying Canada's commitment to fostering strong family ties and promoting inclusivity is a priority for Brampton South MP Sonia Sidhu and the federal government. Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new measures to deliver on the government's commitment to strengthen family reunification.
The new measures include:
Building on the department's progress in eliminating the backlog of TRV applications for family members with ongoing permanent resident applications, the Minister introduced a new approach that improves processing within the estimated timeframe of approximately 30 days in most cases. Many applications have already been processed using these new tools. Within this cohort of applicants, we have seen an approval rate of 93%. This means family members can visit and cherish their time together in Canada while awaiting a final decision on their permanent residency applications.
“These initiatives will have a profound impact on families in our community and across the country, ensuring faster processing of TRV applications and granting open work permits to spousal applicants and their children. This demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping families together and promoting inclusivity," said MP Sonia Sidhu.
Starting June 7, 2023, open work permit holders, whose current status expires by the end of 2023, will have the opportunity to extend their work permits for an additional 18 months. The extension process will be facilitated seamlessly and free of charge. A similar option was recently offered to many with expiring post-graduation work permits. This provision includes spousal open work permit holders of international students, work permit holders, permanent residents, as well as Canadian citizens awaiting the finalisation of their permanent residency applications.
“Strengthening family reunification and providing open work permits to spousal applicants will not only bring loved ones together but also contribute to the economic and social fabric of our city, and the entire country,” said MP Sidhu.
Learn more about these new measures here - https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/05/canada-is-reuniting-loved-ones-through-new-immigration-measures-new-measures-also-address-labour-shortages-in-canada.html
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QUOTES:
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion but 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.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
CONTACT:
The Office of Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South
P: (905) 846-0076 | E: [email protected]
