Canada looking at ways to fast-track immigration for Haitian applicants and refugees

In the wake of a devastating earthquake in Haiti, the immigration ministers of Canada and Quebec are looking at ways to fast-track immigration to Canada for Haitian nationals.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney discussed possible options, which include fast-tracking family reunification applications and waiving application fees, with federal and provincial officials on Thursday.

Quebec is home to a large proportion of Canadian immigrants from Haiti, and Quebec Immigration Minister Yolande James is working closely with the federal government to ensure quick action at both levels of government. Montreal, in particular has a very large Haitian population, most of whom have family members that have been affected by the earthquake.

Canada often introduces special immigration measures for populations that have been affected by natural disasters. Earlier this year, more than 2,000 individuals from Sri Lanka and the Philippines benefitted from such measures.

Although special measures have yet to be announced, Canadavisa.com will provide updates as soon as they are available, so be sure to check back.