Reuniting families a CIC priority

CIC News
Published: April 1, 2005

Also announced this month, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is introducing measures to speed up the processing of family sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents. The measures are intended to break through the backlog of applications in this class of immigrants.

It is now estimated that 18 000 parents and grandparents will immigrate in 2005, up from an original projection of only 6 000. The same increase in the number of applications processed is expected for 2006. Increased processing is expected to begin immediately.

Minister Volpe has also indicated that CIC will be more open to issuing visitor visas for grandparents and parents while their sponsorship applications are in process. Visiting parents and grandparents will still be required to demonstrate that their stay will be temporary. Additionally, regular health screening will be enforced, requiring some parents to have private health coverage prior to visiting.

While the Government of Canada will be investing $36 million a year during 2005 and 2006 to cover the costs of increased processing, Minister Volpe will be seeking long-term solutions with the cooperation of the provinces, territories, and local communities. According to Minister Volpe "Reuniting families is a commitment of the Government of Canada as well as a key priority of Canada's immigration program." The Minister expects that increasing the efficiency of immigration processing will address this important issue.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
male traveler taking selfie portrait on the hill with mount assiniboine in national park at BC, Canada
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Clearing up three common misconceptions about immigrating to Canada
Debunking common myths about immigrating to Canada.
IRCC issues ITAs to Express Entry candidates in second draw this week
IRCC has held another round of invitations for Express Entry candidates
Link copied to clipboard