Jatin Shory and Misha Pelletier announced a live chat discussion concerning the backlog of overseas spousal sponsorship applications in Canada that was held on January 29th, 2022. The conversation was hosted by immigration lawyer Jatin Shory, in conjunction with one of the leaders of the group Spousal Sponsorship Advocates, Misha Pelletier. Jasraj Hallan, Shadow Minister for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship and Member of Parliament also joined to share his thoughts.

The live chat featured discussions around the writ of mandamus and provided reputable advice to members affected by this ever-increasing backlog. Reports have shown 1.8 million stuck in this backlog– which many have fallen under the family class. Due to the separation from loved ones, over 5,000 members of the Spousal Sponsorship Advocates Facebook group are now examining alternatives to assist in moving their files quicker.

Jatin Shory explained the concerns that Canadian immigration applicants and Canadian citizenship applicants have had since the beginning of the pandemic. “The government of Canada conducted a study on the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system for almost eight months between September 2020 and May 2021, presented it May 2021, and have yet to demonstrate what plan is in place for the thousands of separated families in Canada,” Jatin says. “The Federal Court of Canada, if not already, will begin to feel the pressure of mandamus applications set to force the government of Canada to come to the table and respond to these concerns.”

In his conversation with CTV News, Jatin Shory also reflected on the increasing number of clients contacting him about Canadian citizenship applications taking too long. On average, the delays are taking anywhere from one year to 18 months to process. However, Jatin sees this as an opportunity to push for a stronger immigration system in Canada. In November of 2020, Jatin was a witness for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, where he argued that the country’s immigration procedures needed to see much improvement in the coming years.

He makes the point that ever since the pandemic, the world has turned digital. We see almost all aspects of life becoming online-based. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not made a switch to the world of electronics yet. Digital applications could speed up the processing times and help immigrants fill out their forms with ease. For that reason, Jatin Shory would like to see that change happening now.

“Some families have spent two Christmas holidays apart.” Misha reminds us. “We have been demanding a serious review towards alternative processing solutions that adapt to the impact that COVID-19 has had on current systems because right now, those who are physically separated from their loved ones are having a serious impact on the mental health and financial stability of these pockets of Canadian society.”

Jatin also highlighted a much-forgotten issue: these application deadlines could cost Canadian immigrants their livelihoods. He explains that employers often prefer candidates with flexible mobility. Unfortunately, permanent residents do not enjoy the same freedom to travel as citizens do in Canada. Immigration lawyers are crucial to consult when a client is eager to get answers for his or her immigration or citizenship application. Lawyers like Jatin Shory will keep pushing for a stronger and more efficient immigration process in the country.

Visit the CTV News Article here

Jatin Shory is an immigration and refugee lawyer in Calgary who has appeared on Global News, RedFM and spoken as a witness before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.

Since 1998 Shory Law has been providing Calgary & surrounding areas with professional legal services. Contact us today to schedule a case review.