| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
The Government of Canada is releasing a new spousal sponsorship application kit on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website on December 15, 2016. The new application kit will make it easier and faster to apply through the spousal sponsorship program at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Eastern Standard Time. As part of the new application process, applicants will not have to provide certain information up front, such as medical examination results.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
The Government of Canada has made it a top priority to re-establish and strengthen our relationship with Mexico, one of Canada's most important partners. Lifting the visa requirement on Mexico will help build momentum to expand trade, investment and tourism. It will strengthen cooperation, which will provide lasting benefits for both countries.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
On February 29, 2016, the Government fulfilled its commitment to bring 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, including government-supported and privately sponsored refugees. However, the important work of settlement continues, and will do so for a number of years.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada's humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that we have a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
Targeted improvements to the Express Entry system are being made on November 19, 2016. Supporting Canada's Global Skills Strategy, the changes will help better attract some of the best minds in the world, including former international students, experienced professionals and talented workers who will strengthen Canada's competitiveness in the global marketplace.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
Canadian citizens and permanent residents provide opportunities for some refugees to find protection and build a new life here through Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program. Since the late 1970s, private sponsors have brought more than 275,000 refugees to Canada, over and above those resettled with government funding.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
The Government of Canada committed to resettling 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of February 2016. To support that effort, the Government announced in November 2015 that it would invest up to $678 million over six years toward expediting the resettlement of Syrian refugees and ensuring integration support for them. In addition, the Government contributed $100 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for humanitarian assistance in Syria and neighbouring countries, including the identification of refugees.
| Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
| backgrounders
As processing of Syrian refugee cases continues, to date, Canada has welcomed 27,190 Syrian refugees as part of the #WelcomeRefugees initiative (from November 4, 2015, to May 15, 2016).
