Immigration Minister hits pause on family reunification

Immigration Minister hits pause on family reunification applications

john ibbitson
Ottawa— Globe and Mail Update
Posted on Friday, November 4, 2011 3:39PM EDT

The Harper government is placing a two-year moratorium on applications from parents and grandparents seeking to reunite with family members in Canada, in an effort to reduce a growing backlog.

Instead, applicants will be offered a 10-year, multiple-entry visa that will allow them to visit for extended periods, though they will need to periodically return to their home country.

“We understand how important it is for Canadians, including new Canadians, to live with their loved ones,â€