Opening up new opportunities through the Permanent Residency Pathway in Canada for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans

Canada is a country well known for its inclusive and favorable migration policies for many foreigners around the world; this year 2023 has heralded this from the start with support for migrants in the Americas and once again proves it, as it recently introduced an innovative permanent residency route for nationals from Colombia, Haiti and Venezuela. This initiative is not only a testament to Canada's commitment to supporting migrants, but also a strategic move to address forced displacement as a humanitarian alternative to irregular migration.

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In the continuing effort to encourage family reunification and provide opportunities for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan nationals, the Government of Canada, through the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has established a specific immigration pathway for those who have family members in Canada. If you are of these nationalities and are waiting for an immigration opportunity for permanent residency in this country, then read this article from Immiland Canada, as here we will explain the requirements, responsibilities and benefits of this program.

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Embracing Family Connections: Eligibility Requirements

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To embark on this new route, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria, these are:

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• The principal applicant must be a child (of any age), grandchild, spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must have nationality in Colombia, Haiti or Venezuela.
• The application must be submitted from Central or South America, the Caribbean or Mexico.
• The applicant must not be in default on any debt owed to the Canadian government, not be bankrupt and not be receiving social assistance for reasons other than disability.
• Acceptance of financial compensation by the foreigner and accompanying family members is strictly prohibited.
• Plan to live outside Quebec.
  

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Key details of the initiative

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Here are some crucial details about this humanitarian route to permanent residency:

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• Canada plans to welcome up to 11,000 Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans through this initiative.
• The program is designed specifically for foreign nationals from these countries who have family connections in Canada.
• The initiative will be effective this fall and its objectives are to provide a pathway to economic opportunities and to help address forced displacement as an alternative to irregular migration.

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Additional support and opportunities

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In addition to providing a permanent home, Canada is collaborating with non-governmental organizations to implement the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot, an initiative that focuses on skilled refugees and displaced individuals to provide them with opportunities for economic mobility and a more prosperous future. Successful foreign nationals will also receive support from the Canadian government to facilitate their integration into society.

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Presentation of the migration policy for Haitians, Colombians and Venezuelans

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This Canadian immigration policy serves as a unique pathway for Haitian, Colombian and Venezuelan nationals seeking to reunite with their families in Canada. The key feature of this initiative lies in the need for applicants to have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member willing to act as an "anchor", i.e. to support them as they settle and integrate into their new life. This "anchor" family member plays a crucial role in supporting the applicant's journey towards permanent residence, ensuring a structured approach to the reunification process.

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 Who is the eligible "anchor" relative?

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In the context of this policy, an "anchor" is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who supports a family member's application to immigrate. To qualify as an anchor, the following requirements must be met:

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• Be at least 18 years old and reside in Canada (outside Quebec).
• Not be under a deportation order or incarcerated.
• No recent felony convictions in Canada or abroad.
• Be up to date with sponsorship and support payments.
• Not having significant debts with the Canadian government.
• Not to be in undischarged bankruptcy.
• Not receiving social assistance, except for reasons of disability.
• Not to accept financial compensation from the applicant or his/her family members for the support provided.

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Responsibilities of the anchor citizen towards his or her family member

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The anchor's responsibilities encompass various aspects inherent to the applicant's settlement and integration into Canadian society. These include:

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• Welcome you to the new country and meet your basic needs.
• Facilitate their integration into society.
• Offer you access to services.
• Provide medical and educational support.
• Help you find employment and Canadian language training.

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Eligibility criteria for the applicant

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To qualify as an applicant under this policy, individuals must meet the following criteria:

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• Be a national of Colombia, Haiti or Venezuela.
• Currently reside in Mexico, Central or South America, or the Caribbean (excluding Canada and other regions).
• Be a family member (spouse, common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident willing to act as an anchor.
• Plan to live outside Quebec.
• Have a valid passport or eligible travel/identity document.
• Immediate family members (dependent child under age 22, spouse or common-law partner) may be included. However, persons in Canada or other regions outside of those specified do not qualify under this policy.

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 How to apply for this humanitarian initiative?

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Applying under this policy involves the following steps:

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• Submit the application through the IRCC online portal.
• Provide a statutory declaration signed by the "anchor" family member confirming their support. (Remember that the forms are available in the official languages of Canada, English and French, so be sure to fill them out correctly, and if you require the support of a translator, he/she must be certified).

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Application process: a firm step towards a new beginning

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The application process for this permanent residency route involves several steps and in order for you to be successful in the application, you must be sure that you meet each requirement, so be aware of what the following steps involve:

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Eligibility verification: this means that you must make sure you meet all eligibility criteria and have family connections in Canada, which you must be able to demonstrate.
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2. Submitting the application: once your eligibility has been verified, apply online through the official website of the Permanent Residency Portal. Permanent Residency Portal.
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3. Document collection: gather the necessary documents and make sure the application is complete.
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4. Pre-arrival Services: Approved applicants will receive enhanced pre-arrival services, which include job skills assessments and referrals to settlement organizations. In addition to transitional financial assistance under the Resettlement Assistance Programto help meet settlement needs at the time of arrival.
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5. Admissibility requirements: this step refers to the fulfillment of medical requirements and other eligibility criteria.
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It is crucial to keep up to date with official announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for any changes or updates to processing procedures and deadlines.

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Documents required to apply for the Permanent Residency Pathway in Canada for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans

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Documents required for the application include the online forms shared below:

• Generic Application Form for Canada.
• Additional Family Information: for the principal applicant, as well as for his or her spouse or partner and each dependent child over the age of 18 (whether accompanying or not).
• Attachment A - Background/Declaration: detailed personal history for the past 10 years or since age 18, if under age 28.
• Statutory declaration for the anchor relative. (Will be available once applications begin).
• Use of Representative Form, if applicable.
• Authorization to Disclose Personal Information.
• Proof of family nexus and status, as well as identity and marital status documents, criminal record certificates, travel documents and passports, and a photograph of the principal applicant and each family member (accompanying or not) that was taken within 6 months prior to submission of the application.

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Factors affecting processing time

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Although not explicitly mentioned in the IRCC website, as in any immigration application process, several factors should be considered that may influence the total duration of the process, these are:

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1. Completion of the application: a complete application with all required forms and documents can speed up the process.
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2. Pre-arrival services: these pre-arrival services can positively impact overall processing time.
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3. Eligibility requirements: meeting medical and other eligibility criteria in a timely manner is crucial to avoid unexpected responses.
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4. Official announcements: keep informed about official announcements on the web and on social networks of recognized trajectory to learn about any changes in procedures and deadlines.
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5. Volume of applications: this interesting immigration scheme attracts the attention of many Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan foreigners, so it is to be expected that the volume of applications received and the capacity of the immigration authorities to process them will also influence the processing time.

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This new permanent residency route is not only a migration process, it is an opportunity for a new beginning, it is a possibility for individuals from Colombia, Haiti and Venezuela to build a prosperous life in one of the countries with the best quality of life index in the world, with a government and a society willing to contribute once again with access to more attainable economic opportunities for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

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At Immiland Canada, we are happy to give you this good news and remind you that your immigration plan will be successful if you get it right from the start. 

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Let us help you! For those citizens eligible as anchors or applicants, seeking guidance is crucial and a well-chosen immigration consultation with a certified professional can provide you with a clear understanding of the options available. If you are facing immigration issues, Immiland Canada encourages you to complete our Humanitarian PR Application Accompaniment assistance form.

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Undoubtedly, this new policy represents not only a pathway to permanent residency but also a testament to Canada's commitment to family reunification and providing opportunities for a better future. As families embark on this journey, they find support and hope for a new chapter in Canada's warm embrace. Here is the official government source for more information: Migration route for Colombians, Haitians and Venezuelans with families in Canada.

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With love,

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Immiland

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