Reduction in Refugees and Family Class Immigration Levels For 2010

As said by the report by the immigration minister Jason Kenney, Canada is intended to accept smaller amount of refugees and family class immigrants in 2010. As an alternative, the country expects to focus the 2010 immigration levels plan on economic immigration, in that way helping the country to make progress from the recession.

The annual report presented in parliament in late 2009 makes it apparent that the immigration department has reduced the immigration levels for refugees by 3,000 and family class immigrants, include spouses, children, parents, grandparents and relatives by 8,000. On the other hand, the department sets the total immigration targets for 2010 same as the present years at between 240,000 to 265,000.

This time the government is aspiring to admit more of immigrants under the economy class, counting future entrepreneurs, skilled workers and live-in caregivers. It is hoping to welcome a total of 166,800 under the economy class in 2010, which would play a significant role in Canadian economy.

The Immigration department’s posture on the refugee immigration levels subject made critics raise their voices! Some went on to say that the image of Canada would be affected by this resolution. The report says that, the country will recognize somewhere between 9,000 to 12,000 immigrants, together with dependents in 2010, from populace applying for refugees after incoming in the country. The number strikes a remarkable reduction of refugee immigrants from 2006, when the country’s former Liberal government allowed 22,500 to 28,800. Likewise, the maximum target for family class immigrants for 2010 is 63,000, a major drop from 71,000 in 2009!

Family Class Category

In Family Class Category, a Canadian citizen or a permanent immigrant can support his/her spouse, parents/grandparents, dependent child and orphaned brother, sister, nephew, niece or grandchild - if below the age of 22 and is unmarried. A claimant can also sponsor an adopted child under the age of 22 years, or a child who is orphaned, or placed with a Child Welfare authority for adoption. If the supporter has no family member (as described above) and no relative as a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident in Canada, they are entitled to sponsor one other relative.

The sponsor has the liability to demonstrate the financial capability to give basic requirements for living in Canada, if needed, for the individuals and dependents that are to be sponsored in the Family Class, for an exact number of years (presently 3 years for spouse and 10 years for all others). These requirements are eased at the same time as sponsoring a spouse and/or unmarried children less than 22 years of age. Canadian citizens existing outside Canada can apply for sponsoring their spouse to Canada yet when they live outside Canada. They must demonstrate they would join their spouse in Canada after he/she comes to Canada.