On 26th May, Immigration Minister Fraser’s plan for stronger family reunification was announced by IRCC.
The new regulations include:
- Application processing time for spousal temporary resident visas (TRVs) to be shortened.
- Spousal TRV applicants now have access to new processing tools.
- Open work permits application is now open to people who fall under the spousal and family category.
- The availability of open work permit extensions is accessible to people with open work permits whose licenses expire between August 1 and September 30, 2023.
A statement by Fraser says that family members of permanent residents from visa-required countries can apply for Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) to join their sponsors in Canada by applying for TRV.
The majority of applicants who apply for permanent residency are eventually granted it. But too many are still rejected based on the fact that they will not return home.
In addition, Fraser pointed out that IRCC has successfully eliminated the backlog of TRV applications for family members whose permanent residency petitions are already being processed. Under the new IRCC policy regarding spousal TRV applications, IRCC has approved more than 98% of requests for wives. And their children to be allowed to live with their families while their PR applications are being processed.
Enhancing Family Reunification and Work Permit Opportunities in Canada
According to Fraser, TRV applications will soon be processed within a 30-day period. There will be more time for families to spend with their loved ones in Canada as a result of these changes.
Under a new initiative, the IRCC will provide open work permits to spouses and dependent children residing in Canada with their sponsor, holding temporary residence status. Once a spouse, dependent, common-law partner submits a complete application for permanent residence through the SPCLC – (Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada Class) or other family class programs, they become eligible to apply for and obtain an open work permit. This opportunity extends beyond participants of the inland spousal program, now encompassing applicants from outside of Canada as well.
Beginning on June 7th, anyone with open work permits that expire between August 1st and the end of 2023 will be able to extend them for an additional 18 months through a streamlined, cost-free procedure. This extension will be available to about 25,000 people who are currently living in Canada, including spouses and dependents of temporary workers, spouses of international students. And people who are applying for permanent residency along with their spouses and dependents who are awaiting approval.
Family class sponsorship – An overview
The family class of immigrants is the second most common immigrant category, according to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan. According to the government of Canada, the country will receive 106,500 immigrants from the family class segment in 2023. It includes 78,000 spouses, partners, children, and parents, as well as 28,500 grandparents. It is estimated that 118,000 new immigrants will be accepted by the year 2025 under the family category.
Canada’s citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members to immigrate to the country.
Sponsorship is available to those who meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship or permanent residence in Canada required
- A minimum age of 18 is required
- No prison time, bankruptcy, removal order, or serious criminal charge
- The last five years have not seen your spouse sponsored.
The sponsorship of spouses, common law partners, children, parents, and grandparents is possible with the right qualifications.
