October 20, 2015 ? The Canadian federal election has swept the Liberal Party of Canada into power with a majority of seats in the House of Commons and a strong mandate to implement their platform. While it is too early to say what this might mean, specifically, for Canadian immigration ? a new Minister has not yet been appointed ? their platform contained a few hints about what may be to come.
The Liberals have promised to:
Double the budget for family class immigration processing ? this should accelerate processing times for family class applicants, including spousal sponsorships and parent and grandparent sponsorships
Double the quota for parent and grandparent sponsorships ? from 5,000 applicants to 10,000 per year
Provide additional points in Express Entry to individuals with siblings in Canada ? making it easier for applicants with family ties to Canada to apply for Permanent Residence
Grant immediate Permanent Residence to new spouses entering Canada ? this change means an end to the two-year conditional status for new spouses applying for Permanent Residence
Restore the maximum age of dependents to 22 years of age ? the Conservative Government lowered the age of dependency to 19 from 22 years of age, meaning foreign nationals working in Canada were often unable to bring their older, university aged children with them
Remove the visa requirement for Mexican nationals ? thereby facilitating both visitor visa and NAFTA work permits for Mexican nationals coming to Canada
The Liberal platform also included measures to reduce barriers and roadblocks faced by Canadian business in recruiting international employees, including a review of the $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment application fee in certain cases.
Green and Spiegel will monitor the implementation of the Liberal immigration platform and continue to report on developments that affect you, your family and your business.
For more information about Canadian immigration, or for assistance in making an application, please contact Green and Spiegel.
