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Haitian refugee claimant

By immlawyer

I had made an enquiry on behalf of a Haitian refugee claimant who had
family (children) affected by the earthquake in Haiti.



Unfortunately, it appears that there is no measure in place for refugee
claimants who have family members in Haiti.



From: Question-Haiti [mailto:Question-Haiti@cic.gc.ca]
Sent: February 19, 2010 7:59 AM
To: Raj Sharma
Subject: 0321 [3502] Haitian refugee claimant



Dear Client,



Thank you for your email concerning the current situation in Haiti.



Citizenship and Immigration Canada is making every effort to respond to
the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. However, there is currently no measure
in place for refugee claimants in Canada who have family members outside
Canada. Refugee claims will continue to be processed according to
current Immigration Regulations.



As for your clients children please note that the Canadian Visa Office
in Port-au-Prince has been damaged by the earthquake and services are
extremely limited. CIC is working hard to make arrangements to resume
visa and immigration services in that area as soon as possible. So due
the damage to this visa office, Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
applications for
citizens of Haiti or other countries whose citizens require a visa to
visit Canada may be
submitted to the visa office in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
.



It is at the officer's discretion whether or not the application will be
approved as standard eligibility requirements still apply.



Applicants must present the following documents:

* a TRV application form
[IMM
5257], completed and signed;
* an Additional Family Information form
[IMM5406],
completed and signed by each adult;
* an Additional Information form
;
* a valid passport;
* one recent passport-size photograph for each applicant;
* a letter from your employer;
* bank references;
* a letter of invitation
(if applicable).

The following documents should also be included to avoid delays (if
applicable):

* previous passport;

* school/university references;

* birth or marriage certificate; and

* notarized travel authorization for minors travelling without
parents.



Applicants directly and significantly affected by the humanitarian
crisis in Haiti are exempt from the required fees. These applicants must
also:

* include a letter with the specific details on how they are
personally affected by the situation; and

* clearly indicate "Haiti" on the mailing envelope (if
applicable).



I hope this information is helpful.



Sincerely,



Patricia, Agent 3502

Citizenship and Immigration Canada

www.cic.gc.ca

Please Note: Due to the recent earthquake in Haiti, Citizenship and
Immigration Canada (CIC) is working closely with other federal
departments to monitor the situation and help those in need. The
information provided may change frequently and without prior notice. For
the most current and accurate information, please visit our website. CIC
Internet information is available in both official languages. This email
was sent to you in the language of your choice. The masculine form is
used for convenience; however, it refers to both men and women.



From: Raj Sharma [mailto:raj@immigrationpractice.ca]
Sent: February 17, 2010 3:32 PM
To: Question-Haiti
Subject: 0321 [3502] Haitian refugee claimant



I have a client who is awaiting his refugee hearing in Canada. He has
children that have been affected by the earthquake. Is there any
possibility of those children being granted visas to join their father
in Canada?



Raj Sharma LLM

Sharma Harsanyi

Barristers & Solicitors

Suite 200, 706-7th Ave SW

Calgary AB T2P 0Z1

raj@immigrationpractice.ca

www.immigrationpractice.ca

Full post as published by Canadian Immigration Blawg on March 09, 2010 (boomark / email).