Family reunification’s new initiatives were recently introduced by Sean Fraser to solidify Canada’s family-class immigration. The announcement took effect on May 26th, 2023.
The new initiatives include the following:
- We expedited processing times concerning the Temporary Resident Visa for spousal applicants.
- Spousal TRV applicants will experience new and specified processing tools.
- Access to an Open Work Permit for spousal and family class applicants.
- OWP holders will experience Open Work Permit extensions between August 1 and December 2023.
Family reunification’s new initiatives introduced by Fraser
Interestingly, Fraser commenced the announcement by explaining that family members from different visa countries who have already given their family class PR applications will be able to apply for TRV to join their Canadian sponsor.
He claimed that despite the vast majority of applicants eventually acquiring permanent status, far too many still faced denial. They face rejection for the slightest possibility of returning to their homes.
Furthermore, Fraser stated that the backlog of TRV applications for family members whose PR petitions are already underway witnessed a successful elimination by IRCC. Over 98% of requests for wives and children will live with their families while processing their PR applications. The approvals happened due to its new policy regarding spousal TRV applications.
Additionally, he predicted that in the future, processing times for TRV applications will fall within a 30-day window. Families will be able to visit Canada more swiftly and spend more time with their loved ones.
Open Work Permits
As part of a new effort, IRCC will grant open work permits to spouse applicants and their dependent children who live in Canada with their sponsor and have temporary residence status.
As soon as a spouse, common-law partner, or dependent submits an application for PR under the Spouse or Common-law Partner in different family class programs or Canada Class. They are eligible to apply for and get an open work permit.
These open work permits, previously only available to participants in the inland spousal program, are now also available to people who apply from outside of Canada.
Finally, starting on June 7, holders of open work permits whose existing permits expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 will be eligible to renew their permits. The extension will be for an additional 18 months through a free, facilitated process. Consequently, this change will affect around 25,000 persons currently residing and working in Canada. This will cover the following:
- Spouses and dependents of the majority of temporary employees;
- Spouses of international students;
- Applicants for permanent residency and their spouses and dependents who are awaiting the decision on their application.
Family Class Sponsorship
According to Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, family-class immigration is the second most popular category. A total of 106,500 entrants are expected to enter Canada in 2023 under the family class category. This would include 78,000 spouses, partners, and children and 28,500 parents and grandparents. The goal of family-class immigration in Canada is to bring in 118,000 new residents by 2025.
Citizens and permanent residents of Canada are able to sponsor family members who seek Canadian immigration and settle permanently.
If you pursue to be a sponsor, you must:
- Become a citizen or long-term occupant of Canada.
- Be a minimum of 18 years old and not be imprisoned, insolvent, subject to a removal order, or accused of a significant crime.
- Not hold any prior sponsorship within the last five years as a spouse.
- Spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, kids, parents, and grandparents can be subject to sponsorship. However, they will require to fulfill all essential eligibility requirements.
