The Canadian Government has announced that it will make it easier for temporary residents from Syria and Turkey to extend their stay in Canada by waiving application fees and prioritizing VISA applications. The decision was made after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Southern Turkey and Northern Syria.
The new measures placed by the government aim to specifically assist those who are currently residents in Canada and to eventually aid those that have been affected by the disaster and who may not have been approved to come to Canada under ordinary circumstances.
Community organizations, such as the Syrian Canadian Foundation, have noted that the response from the government was positive but more work is needed to support the impacted survivors. Additionally, the Federation of Canadian Turkish Associations also noted that the government response to the earthquake has been slow and that the new measures are not enough to support Canadians who wish to bring their loved ones over from the affected regions. The consensus from these groups suggests that more can be done to support the directly impacted individuals.
One of the biggest challenges for new applicants is the biometric process. This is because many people in Turkey and Syria are unable to travel to a Canadian VISA office to record fingerprints and photos. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, said that the government is working on a more flexible solution to the biometric process such as mobile biometric kits. This solution would allow for directly affected individuals to acquire an avenue of residency in Canada.
Fomcenco Law specialises in temporary residency applications and can assist in processes related to extending residency in Canada or applying for residency during these difficult times. For more information, book a free consultation on our website.
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