The new edition of the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Newsletter includes the following:
- One of IRCC’s efforts to speed up spousal application procedures for couples
- The gradual reopening of some IRCC offices
- Family New processes were introduced to support greater family reunification and entry for compassionate causes
- IRCC increases points under the express entry for French-speaking and bilingual candidates
- Upcoming events and important dates
IRCC initiative speeds up the spouse application process for couples
In October, the IRCC announced steps to expedite the process for spousal applications for permanent residence.
The number of employees working as decision-makers in spousal applications has increased by 66%. This will reduce the time for couples waiting for a decision on their application so that spouses in Canada can reunite sooner.
IRCC has also introduced a pilot for the digitalization of paper applications, supporting staff processing, support remote applications, efficient technology. Through these initiatives, IRCC aims to finalize approximately 6,000 spousal applications each month from October to December 2020.
The IRCC will enable technology to conduct remote interviews with applicants and follow public health social-distance protocols.
Family Reunification is a high priority, and this new initiative aims to support and expedite the overall process for couples.
New processes were introduced to support greater family reunification and entry for compassionate reasons
Since Canada imposed travel restrictions in March 2020 to reduce the spread of COVID-19, many families have felt the pain of being separated from their loved ones abroad.
To support greater family reunification, the government introduced a new process on October 8, 2020, to allow extended family members of Canadian citizens, people registered as Indians under Canada’s Indian Act, and permanent residents to enter.
- Who is considered an extended family member
- Canada includes what family members need to do to come to Canada
- Obtain a Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if required
- Complete and sign the statutory declaration having their extended family member
- Obtaining written authorization from the IRCC
They stay in the country for 15 days or more, including Extended completed and signed legal declaration and proof that their extended family member is a Canadian citizen, registered as an Indian under permanent resident or Canada’s Indian Act.
In addition, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) developed a new process.
- Being in the final moments of a loved one’s life
- Providing support to a person who is considered to be critically ill
- Providing care to a person in need of medical support
- Attending a funeral or end of life ceremony
