05 October 2009

Special measures for Filipinos to access Canadian visa

The Canadian Government has announced that residents in the Philippines who are significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana will be offered special measures to apply for a Canadian visa to emigrate to Canada.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney made the announcement saying that Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s (CIC) office in the Philippines, which processes Canadian visas, is responding to applications on a priority basis.

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and support for the people of the Philippines affected by this terrible disaster,” said Minister Kenney.

 “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.”

New and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who have close family members in the Philippines are being assessed, however, applicants must identify themselves as being significantly affected by the current situation.

New sponsorship applications should have “Philippines” prominently written on the mailing envelope. Sponsors and applicants presently in Canada who have applications in process should notify the CIC Call Centre to identify their existing applications, if they or the family they have sponsored have been adversely affected.

Temporary residence applicants will be given priority processing by the Canadian visa office in Manila.

---

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with Canada visa and immigration applications.