Family Reunification Being Prioritized by Canadian Immigration
On May 26, 2023, Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, presented new measures for strengthening family reunification in Canada. Family reunification through immigration is a core tenet of Canadian immigration law, and their reunion is crucial support for the development of diverse and resilient communities as well.
By reuniting families and enabling newcomers to find employment and sustain themselves more rapidly after arriving, Canada is assisting both Canadians and immigrants.
New Measures for Family Reunification in Canada
✅ New ability for families to come to Canada temporarily while awaiting PR.
✅ Faster TRV processing times & new processing tools for spousal applicants.
✅ A new open work permit for spousal & family class applicants.
Minister Fraser also declared that open work permit holders, including spousal applicants, who have open work permit expirations between August 1 and December 31, 2023, will be allowed to extend their work visas for an additional 18 months. Many people with post-graduation Canadian work permits that were about to expire recently received a similar privilege.
In order to ensure that families can be reunited sooner while their permanent residency applications are being finalized, Minister Fraser has proposed changes to speed up the processing of Canadian Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and improve consideration for applicants. In the future, the bulk of these applications will be handled within 30 days thanks to special processing procedures for Family Class Immigration, Canada Super Visa, and Spouse Visa requests.
This public policy makes it easier for foreign nationals applying under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class or the Family Class, as well as their family members, to receive an open work permit if they have a valid temporary resident status, have maintained their status, are qualified for and have applied to have their status restored, and have the same residential address as their Canadian sponsor.
For spouse candidates and their dependent children who live in Canada with their sponsor and have temporary residence status, Canada has also made open work permits available. The spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs now allow spouses, partners, and dependents to apply for and receive an open Canadian work permit as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application.
To meet the labour shortages listed on the Canada Occupation In-demand List, immigration continues to be a key component. As stated by Federal policy, promotion of the temporary resident status for wives, partners, and dependent children while they wait for their permanent residence, enables sponsored partners to support their families and create a life together in Canada. For Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the labour of sponsored spouses, partners, and their families generates social and economic benefits.
