Adopting Orphans
In the wake of the tsunami destruction in Asia, Canada is providing a little bit of light. The Ontario and federal governments are looking to fast-track the applications of Family Class applicants to allow extended families to adopt orphan children under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The fast-track process will only apply to relatives -- those seeking to rescue children in the affected countries, will still have to follow the regular process -- although the government may relax those rules shortly as well. Initially, the Foreign Affairs offices in the affected region was focusing on reuniting relatives, however, normal services have now resumed -- and Immigration Canada is seeing a surge of immigration requests. The proper screening however will be taking place to ensure that the refugee claimant is actually from the tsunami affected areas and they don't pose a security threat. In addition, Immigration Canada has decided to waive the $975 it costs to apply for permanent residence status in Canada.
So what does this all mean? Well, it's very gracious of Immigration Canada to waive the $975 fee. I'm not sure why it's so expense -- when you think about it, for a lot of people in third world countries, that amount of money is akin to millions of dollars for a Canadian. What does fast-track mean? Well, it will take up to three months (or less). Three months! I wonder how long it takes outside of the fast-track process? I can imagine a lot of children would could have a better home with willing parents in Canada dying before ever getting the chance to head to an airport. Immigration Canada does say however that "if an applicant is identified as being at immediate risk (for example if a child is in one of the affected areas and his/her guardian is in Canada), we could issue a permit very quickly as long as there are no medical or security concerns." Well, bless their cold bureaucratic heart.
For more information on what Canada is doing to help, consult the International Development Agency website.
So what does this all mean? Well, it's very gracious of Immigration Canada to waive the $975 fee. I'm not sure why it's so expense -- when you think about it, for a lot of people in third world countries, that amount of money is akin to millions of dollars for a Canadian. What does fast-track mean? Well, it will take up to three months (or less). Three months! I wonder how long it takes outside of the fast-track process? I can imagine a lot of children would could have a better home with willing parents in Canada dying before ever getting the chance to head to an airport. Immigration Canada does say however that "if an applicant is identified as being at immediate risk (for example if a child is in one of the affected areas and his/her guardian is in Canada), we could issue a permit very quickly as long as there are no medical or security concerns." Well, bless their cold bureaucratic heart.
For more information on what Canada is doing to help, consult the International Development Agency website.
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