December 2, 2009

Special Immigration Program for Typhoon Victims in the Philippines have been ended


The Special Immigration program for typhoon victims in the Philippines have been ended as of Dec 1, 2009. More than 400 applications benefited from the said program.

From October 1 to November 29, 2009, CIC expedited the processing of new and existing applications from close family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. As of November 27, 2009, over 420 applications qualified for priority processing. Permanent resident applications may include multiple eligible family members. This measure is helping reunite victims with their family in Canada. Applications for temporary residence from people significantly affected by the typhoon were also accepted for priority processing.

Now that applications from those originally affected by Typhoon Ketsana have declined significantly, the special measures have been ended. Any applications received up to November 29th have been reviewed to see if priority processing applies. All applications received from today on are being processed according to standard procedures.[Source]