In an ongoing commitment to keeping families united, Canada has taken steps to enhance its immigration system, focusing on family reunification. The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced strategic measures to expedite the process of reuniting dependents and spouses who may not have previously qualified.
Former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced further advancements on May 26th, including:
1. Streamlined Processing with New Tools: Efforts to increase efficiency have led to significant success, particularly in non-complex applications. Innovative analytics enable officers to evaluate eligibility for Permanent Residence (PR) with a 98% approval rate for spousal TRV applicants.
2. Fresh Open Work Permit (OWP) for Spousal and Family Class Applicants: Starting January 30th, this program offers OWPs to spouses, dependents, and common-law partners of participants in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP). Envisioned to continue until 2025, this initiative extends to working-age children (16 and older) of main applicants from all skill levels. It’s projected to positively impact over 200,000 families, effectively addressing workforce gaps and enhancing the economy.
3. Expanding Open Work Permit for Outland Applicants: May 26th saw IRCC updating the family sponsorship policy for outland sponsorships. The revision extends OWP eligibility to spouses, partners, and dependents of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, temporary workers, and students (currently in Canada). This means that even those applying from outside of Canada, known as outland sponsorship applicants, can now access OWPs. The goal is to process spousal sponsorship applications within a 12-month timeframe.
For eligibility, a valid temporary resident status, maintaining or restoring status, and sharing a residential address with the sponsor are crucial. Two primary scenarios warrant OWPs:
- Principal applicants seeking PR under the spouse/common-law partner category, along with a work permit application. This should be supported by sponsorship from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse/partner.
- Dependent children included in a PR application, also accompanied by a work permit application and sharing a residential address.
Canada’s endeavors toward family reunification embody its inclusive and compassionate approach to immigration. The measures introduced not only facilitate smoother processes but also promote unity and strengthen the nation’s diverse fabric.
