Ottawa has made a big move to speed up the process for families trying to reunite, especially in Quebec. At Choice Immigration Services in Edmonton, we know how hard and emotional these processes can be. The new action taken by Marc Miller, the Federal Immigration Minister, is a key change aimed at reducing the waiting time for applications and highlights how important it is for families to be together.

Time To Break Barriers

Quebec used to only allow about 10,000 people a year to apply to bring family members to live with them. Clearly, this wasn’t enough for everyone who wanted to reunite with their relatives. Understanding how important this issue is, Marc Miller has said that his department will now give out permanent residence permits to these applicants, ignoring Quebec’s limit.

Big Decision Based on Humanitarian Concerns

The decision was the result of prolonged efforts to engage with Quebec’s government, which sought an increase in the province’s family reunification capacity. Miller has described the backlog as a humanitarian crisis, affecting husbands, wives, parents, and grandparents who have been unable to reunite with their family members in Quebec. This bold step reflects a commitment to social justice and the well-being of families affected by the cap.

A Step Towards Resolution

Ottawa plans to process about 20,500 applications by January 31, 2024, to help thousands of families reunite faster. This shows how urgent it is to clear the backlog and get families together without delay. Our team at Choice Immigration backs efforts that make family reunification a priority and thinks this move will give many people hope.

Addressing Processing Times

The difference in how long it takes to reunite families in Quebec compared to the rest of Canada is huge. People in Quebec have had to wait as long as 34 months to bring spouses over and about 50 months for parents or grandparents. The federal government’s new effort is aimed at cutting these long waits down to be more in line with the rest of the country’s times.

This decision might cause some tension between the federal and Quebec governments. Yet, it’s actually good for Quebec. Bringing families together is not just the right thing to do; it also has political benefits for the province. Families that come together can help Quebec’s society and economy grow.

At Choice Immigration, we’re dedicated to helping people affected by these immigration policy changes. We offer support and advice during tough times, making sure families looking to reunite get the help they need.

Ottawa’s move to ignore Quebec’s immigration limit to speed up family reunification marks a big change in Canada’s immigration policy. It shows a commitment to putting families’ needs first and addressing humanitarian issues. At Choice Immigration Services, we’re here to support our clients through these changes and help them bring their families together.