Canada Implements Faster Visa Processing and Supportive Measures for Family Reunification

In a bid to prioritize family reunification and provide enhanced support to applicants, Canada has unveiled accelerated processing for Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) and tailored application measures. The announcement comes shortly after the United Kingdom’s decision to prohibit certain foreign students from bringing their families to the country.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, highlighted the importance of bringing families together expeditiously while awaiting the finalization of their permanent residence. Going forward, the majority of these applications will be processed within a 30-day timeframe, and applicants will benefit from measures specifically designed to cater to their circumstances as spouses and dependents.

Minister Fraser acknowledged that several applications have already been processed using these new tools, with an impressive approval rate of 93 percent. Emphasizing the significance of family reunification in Canadian society, he described the announcement as a commitment to building inclusive and resilient communities.

Furthermore, the measures aim to facilitate newcomers’ integration by enabling them to work and support themselves more swiftly, thus contributing to both the Canadian economy and social fabric.

Additionally, spousal applicants and other open work permit holders whose permits are set to expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 will have the opportunity to extend their permits for an additional 18 months. This extension aligns with a similar option recently offered to individuals with expiring post-graduation work permits.

However, the United Kingdom’s decision to ban certain foreign students from bringing their families into the country has faced strong opposition from universities across the UK. They argue that this policy poses a threat to the country’s global success as a leading destination for international talent and warrants careful consideration.