Canadian visa applications from Haitians to be prioritised
January 18 2010 by Liam Clifford
The Canadian immigration authorities have passed new measures to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti.
Jason Kenney, the Canadian immigration minister, has
announced that people from Haiti who have family living in Canada and who are
applying for a Canadian visa will have their applications
expedited.
Kenney stated, “I want to express my deepest sympathy and
support for the people of Haiti.” He added, “Canada has welcomed a large
community of Haitians to this country and is working to reunite families
affected by this disaster as quickly as possible. Haitian nationals who are
currently in Canada will also benefit from special measures.”
Once
applicants have provided evidence that they are significantly affected by the
situation in Haiti, priority will be given to new and existing sponsorship
applications from Canadian citizens, protected persons and permanent residents
living in Canada. They can sponsor Canadian visa applications from their
relatives in Haiti, allowing them to move to Canada and to safety.
In
addition to these measures, Citizenship and Immigration Canada has also
introduced protection measures for Haitians currently living in Canada. They are
now able to extend their Canadian visas and their applications will also be
expedited and fees will be waived.
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