Canada Offers to Reunite Families

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