Immigration minister measures to unite family members

The new measures include:

  • Faster temporary resident visa (TRV) processing times for spousal applicants
  • New and dedicated processing tools for spousal TRV applicants
  • A new open work permit for spousal and family class applicants
  • Open work permit extensions for expiring permits between August 1st and the end of 2023

According to the minister too many spouses or dependents are refused on the basis that they are unlikely to return home, even though majority are approved for permanent residency.

Based on these ministerial instructions all international students, Temporary work permit holders, Spousal sponsorship applicants not only they do not have to wait for months to join their family members in Canada but also are eligible to receive an open work permit of Study permits from the beginning of the process.

  • TRV applications will lead to processing times of within 30 days. Family members will be able to travel to Canada more quickly and be with their loved ones sooner.
  • Spouses, partners, and dependants overseas can apply for and receive an open work permit as soon as they submit a complete permanent residence application under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs. These open work permits were previously only allowed for the inland spousal program and is now being extended to those who are applying outside Canada.
  • Beginning June 7th, open work permit holders whose current permit expires between August 1st and the end of 2023 can extend their permit for 18 months using a free facilitated process. This announcement will impact about 25,000 people currently in Canada, including spouses and dependents of most temporary workers, spouses of international students and permanent resident applicants and their family members waiting for the processing of their applications to be finalized.

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