Canada is speeding up the immigration process for those in the Philippines who have been significantly affected by Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy). Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney announced that Canada's visa office in the Philippines will put a priority on those affected by the disaster.
The priority applies to both new and existing applications from Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who wish to sponsor close family members "directly and significantly" affected by the disaster in the Philippines. Applicants must identify themselves to Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
If it's a new sponsorship application, write "Philippines" clearly on the mailing envelope. For existing sponsorship applications, sponsors and applicants already in Canada should call the Citizenship and Immigration Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to identify their applications if they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.
Applicants for temporary residence will be given priority by Canada's visa office in Manila once they show they have been significantly affected by the typhoon.
These measures are in addition to the pledge from the Canadian federal government of up to $5 million in humanitarian assistance to help those affected by Typhoon Ketsana. The Government of Manitoba also sent $100,000 to support the relief effort.
By Susan Munroe, About.com