Marco Mendicino Presents His Views To The Immigration Committee

The coronavirus pandemic has affected Canadian immigration in unforeseen ways. Multiple studies are being conducted at the moment to understand the full extent of the pandemic’s impact.

Marco Mendicino, Canada’s immigration minister, participated in one such study on November 25 by making an appearance before the Standing Committee. The Deputy Minister of IRCC, Catrina Tapley was also present. The duo received questions from Parliament members on:

• Family sponsorship
• Operations during coronavirus
• Expired COPRs
• Pathways to be taken by temporary residents for permanent residence
• Post Graduation Work Permit

Details to note

Mendicino assured that IRCC was going to process 49,000 spousal applications by the end of 2020. A special task force is currently working to meet the deadline. Family class application processing will continue to improve in the coming years.

The measures taken by IRCC during the pandemic to provide assistance to immigrants were brought up at the meeting. The minister talked about the new online landing process that has helped to cut down on the time required to secure new permanent residents. Mendicino also clarified that citizenship applicants aged between 50 and 54 will be allowed to submit their applications virtually from January 1, 2021.

Deputy Minister Tapley, on being asked about expired-COPR holders, said that IRCC has begun issuing authorization letters for expired-COPR holders so that they can travel as soon as the pandemic gives them a chance.

With regard to international students and their ordeal, Mendicino firmly assured that having an expired visa will not lead any student to be expelled. They will be given time to restore their status.