CANADIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Priority Visa processing for those affected by Typhoon Ketsana

Tuesday, 6 October 2009

Effective immediately, Citizenship and Immigration Canada is offering residents of the Philippines, who have been drastically effected by Typhoon Ketsana, special measures to prioritize their immigration to Canada.

The CIC office in the Philippines has been instructed to act on a priority bases for those who were directly affected by the storm.

Priority visa processing measures are coming in addition to the $5 million the Canadian Government offered this week to assist in humanitarian assistance and recovery projects in the typhoon ravaged Philippines.

Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney has expressed his sympathy and support for the people affected the most and has extended Canada's helping hand, "This government is moving quickly to reunite Canadians and permanent residents with their families by extending a welcome to those who wish to come to Canada."

These priority measures will be applied to both new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have family members in the Philippines. To be eligible for this program an applicant must however, identify themselves as someone who has been or is being significantly affected by the current situation in the Philippines and they must notify CIC accordingly.

When submitting a new sponsorship applications there should be "Philippines" written prominently on the mailing envelope. An application for temporary residence will also be given priority processing by the CIC office in Manila if the applicant can demonstrate that they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.

If you are interested in Visas to Canada, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Canada.