There has been a reduction in processing times and enhancements made to the application process for temporary resident visas (TRVs) in Canada.
On Friday, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser made the announcement.
According to Fraser, the majority of applications would be processed within thirty days, and applicants would be able to take advantage of processing methods tailored to their situations as spouses and dependents.
According to him, the approval rate for many applications has been relatively high, ranging at 93% thus far.
In 2022, Canada issued over one million and seventy-five thousand work permits and extensions of work permits.
According to the Minister, this new effort is part of Canada’s commitment to ensuring that families may remain together during life’s key milestones, such as moving to a new country.
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion; it is a fundamental pillar of Canadian society. Today’s announcement is a mandated commitment to help build inclusive and resilient communities,” Fraser said.
“We are supporting Canadians and newcomers by reuniting families faster and also allowing them to work and support themselves more quickly once they’re here. By doing so, Canada is helping newcomers achieve their true potential while also strengthening Canada’s economy and social fabric.”
Dependents can now apply for and obtain an open work permit at the same time they apply for permanent residence under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (SPCLC) or other family class programs. This is a departure from the former policy, which prohibited dependents from applying for or receiving open work permits.
Furthermore, spousal applicants and other open work permit holders whose licences expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 will be allowed to renew their work licences for another 18 months. Those whose permits are slated to expire between August 1 and the end of 2023 are eligible for this opportunity.
“A similar option was recently offered to many with expiring post-graduation work permits,” the statement added.
This decision came just a few days after the United Kingdom announced that overseas students would no longer be able to bring family members to the country beginning in 2024.
The Home Office argued that the adjustment was necessary to prevent people from using the student visa as a backdoor way to acquire employment in the UK.
However, universities across the UK have expressed their objection to the country’s new immigration laws, stating that they will put further strain on their resources.
