Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister Diane Finley recently announced measures to help people from Iraq and surrounding countries who have close family members in Canada.

Family Class permanent residency applications through the Canadian Immigration Visa Office in Damascus, Syria will be processed on a priority basis for Iraqi nationals directly affected by the situation in Iraq. Sponsored by their family member in Canada, spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents, and other orphaned family members qualify for priority processing. The measure also applies to dependents of protected persons in Canada. It is effective immediately and will be reviewed in one year's time.

"Working to reunite families as quickly as possible is another measure we've taken in addition to welcoming refugees from that part of the world," said Minister Finley. "The usual medical and security checks will still be carried out, but every effort will be made to help people in need come to Canada."