Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney announced today that more than 400 people affected by a major disaster in the Philippines in September are benefiting from expedited processing of their Canadian visa applications.

After Typhoon Ketsana devastated parts of the northern Philippines, Kenney announced that individuals affected by the typhoon who have close family members in Canada would have their permanent residence applications processed on a priority basis. In addition, applications for temporary residence in Canada from those affected by the typhoon would be processed on an expedited basis.

From October 1 to November 29, 2009, more than 400 applications qualified for expedited processing, a majority of which were from typhoon-affected parents and grandparents of Canadians.

"Canada has a proud tradition of helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with their family members abroad when natural disasters occur," said Kenney.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) announced that all applications received from today onwards would be processed according to standard procedures.