Canada Offers to Reunite Families

author avatar
CIC News
Published: October 1, 2005

Canada to fast-track existing family class immigration for individuals affected by the South Asian earthquake.

"The government of Canada is committed to helping reunite close family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are seriously and personally affected by the earthquake," announced Citizenship and Immigration Minister Joe Volpe. Priority is being given to spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, and dependent children.

New applications under the Family class are also being handled expeditiously. However, all medical and security regulations will be respected. In addition to fast-tracking South Asian immigration, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) will waive all new application processing fees and the Right of Permanent Residence fee for persons affected by the natural disaster.

The tragedy brought on by this calamity has hit at the heart of Canadians. For those who are worried and have lost contact with loved ones abroad, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched a South Asia Earthquake website to help people exchange information about family members in the disaster zone.

Read More about What Canada is doing to help victims of the South Asia earthquake.

Read the official Liberal Party of Canada Press Release on Canada's response to the earthquake.

Donate to the Canadian Red Cross

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
One section of Canadian law decides whether you can claim citizenship by descent, and this is how to read it
Newfoundland and Labrador invites 62 workers to pursue provincial immigration
Can Bill C-3 be reversed? Here’s what an immigration lawyer has to say
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Citizenship
One section of Canadian law decides whether you can claim citizenship by descent, and this is how to read it
A graphical depiction of a Canadian lineage
Can Bill C-3 be reversed? Here’s what an immigration lawyer has to say
Parliament can always pass new legislation and change citizenship laws going forward
Stronger Canada-EU ties could open new doors. Millions of Americans with Canadian ancestry stand to gain too
If Canada becomes an associate member of the EU, could that benefit some Americans?
Americans whose Canadian ancestors died before 1947 may still have a citizenship by descent claim
A busy desk showing a picture of Canadian ancestors, a red folder, and a small family tree.
Link copied to clipboard