News Release

Good news for spouses and common-law partners

OTTAWA, February 18, 2005 — The Honourable Joe Volpe, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), ended this Valentine’s Day week by announcing today that most spouses and common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, regardless of their status, will be allowed to remain in Canada while their immigration application is being considered. The change, which applies to couples who are in a genuine relationship, comes into effect immediately.

“This change addresses real concerns about the hardships that some couples would experience if they had to be separated during the application process,” said Minister Volpe. “Reuniting families is a key objective of Canada’s immigration law. My department has worked very closely with the Canada Border Services Agency, to ensure that unsuccessful applicants will be required to leave Canada so that our generous immigration program is protected from abuse.”

Spouses and common-law partners who apply outside Canada will continue to be processed on a priority basis so that families can be quickly reunited.

“I’m happy to report continued progress in processing times. For example, most of our missions abroad are processing sponsorship applications of spouses and common-law partners within a six-month period,” added Minister Volpe.

For more information on this policy or how Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses or common-law partners in Canada, please see attached backgrounder and/or visit CIC’s website at www.cic.gc.ca.

Note: Minister Volpe will be available immediately following Question Period today to respond to comments on this announcement. (Foyer of the House of Commons)

For further information (media only):

Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064

Maria Iadinardi
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 952-0740

Backgrounder:

• Sponsorship of spouses and common-law partners from within Canada