World
Canada releases new policy to help Nigerians with family members migrate without stress
Canada has introduced a new policy for professionals, and student applicants to bring over family members.
The new policy is expected to ease the process stress of family reunion in less than 30 days Canada’s inclusive approach stands in contrast to the recent UK’s restrictive policy. In a move contrasting the recent restrictive policy announced by United Kingdom, Canada has unveiled a new policy that will expedite immigrants bringing family over.
Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the new policy on Friday, May 26, 2023.
According to Fraser, family members from visa-required countries who have submitted family class permanent residency (PR) applications can apply for Temporary Resident Visas (TRV) to join their sponsor in Canada.
He noted that the new system would facilitate the approval process for spouses, children, and parents of recent immigrants looking to join family members. Canada opens door while UK closes.
The announcement comes just days after the UK government prohibited students from Nigeria and other foreign countries on study visas from bringing their families into the country. Naijinfo reported that the UK’s new immigration policy will start from January 2024.
Canada new immigration policy Speaking further, Minister Fraser also emphasized that the new policy leverages cutting-edge technology and analytics, enabling requests for TRV for family members of citizens and permanent residents to be processed in less than 30 days. His words: “Going forward, this new approach to processing TRV applications will lead to processing times of within 30 days.”
“Family members will be able to travel to Canada more quickly and be with their loved ones sooner.”
More new Canada Japa goodies Canada is not only allowing Nigerians and other foreigners to bring their families but also launched a new initiative that will issue open work permits to spousal applicants and their dependent children who reside with their sponsor in Canada and have temporary resident status.
What this means is that spouses, partners, and dependents are eligible to apply for an open work permit when they submit a complete application for permanent residence under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada class (SPCLC) or other family class programs.
Previously, these open work permits were only available for the inland spousal program, but now they are being extended to those who apply outside of Canada.
Additionally, starting from June 7th, 2023, holders of open work permits whose permits are set to expire between August 1st and the end of 2023 can extend their permits for 18 months through a free facilitated process.
This extension will apply to spouses and dependents of most temporary workers, spouses of international students, and applicants for permanent residency along with their spouses/dependents awaiting the finalization of their permanent residency.
To be eligible as a sponsor, you must Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada Be 18 years of age or older Not be in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order or charged with a serious offence Not have been sponsored as a spouse within the last 5 years.
Canada govt said: “Spouses, common law and conjugal partners, children, parents and grandparents may all be sponsored, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria.”
World
Trump dismisses claims of handing presidency to Musk as ‘hoax’
Could Elon Musk, who holds major sway in the incoming Trump administration, one day become president? On Sunday, Donald Trump answered with a resounding no, pointing to US rules about being born in the country.
“He’s not gonna be president, that I can tell you,” Trump told a Republican conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
“You know why he can’t be? He wasn’t born in this country,” Trump said of the Tesla and SpaceX boss, who was born in South Africa.
The US Constitution requires that a president be a natural-born US citizen.
Trump was responding to criticism, particularly from the Democratic camp, portraying the tech billionaire and world’s richest person as “President Musk” for the outsized role he is playing in the incoming administration.
As per ceding the presidency to Musk, Trump also assured the crowd: “No, no that’s not happening.”
The influence of Musk, who will serve as Trump’s “efficiency czar,” has become a focus point for Democratic attacks, with questions raised over how an unelected citizen can wield so much power.
And there is even growing anger among Republicans after Musk trashed a government funding proposal this week in a blizzard of posts — many of them wildly inaccurate — to his more than 200 million followers on his social media platform X.
Alongside Trump, Musk ultimately helped pressure Republicans to renege on a funding bill they had painstakingly agreed upon with Democrats, pushing the United States to the brink of budgetary paralysis that would have resulted in a government shutdown just days before Christmas.
Congress ultimately reached an agreement overnight Friday to Saturday, avoiding massive halts to government services.
World
Seven confirmed dead in Western Mexico plane crash
At least seven people died when a light aircraft crashed Sunday in a heavily forested area of Jalisco in western Mexico, local authorities reported.
The aircraft, a Cessna 207, was flying from La Parota in the neighbouring state of Michoacan.
Jalisco Civil Protection said via its social media that the crash site was in an area that was difficult to access.
Initial authorities on the scene “reported a preliminary count of seven people dead,” who haven’t been identified yet, according to the agency.
“A fire was extinguished and risk mitigation was carried out to prevent possible additional damage,” it added.
Authorities said they were awaiting the arrival of forensic investigators to remove the bodies and rule out the presence of additional victims.
World
12 Pathways to U.S. citizenship available in 2025
There are twelve main pathways for individuals to apply for U.S. citizenship, each with specific criteria and procedures.
These options include family-based immigration, employment opportunities, and asylum, providing various routes for those seeking U.S. citizenship.
According to the DAAD Scholarship, prospective applicants can pursue different immigration routes, depending on their situation.
From marriage to a U.S. citizen to qualifying for the Diversity Visa Lottery, each pathway leads to permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.
Below is a breakdown of the twelve most common ways to gain U.S. citizenship.
1. Military Service Pathway
Non-citizens who serve in the U.S. military can apply for naturalization during active duty or after one year of service.
Apply here: Naturalization through Military Service
2. Family-Based Immigration (Immediate Relatives)
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens—spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21—do not face annual visa caps. After receiving a Green Card, they can apply for citizenship after 3 to 5 years.
Apply here: Green Card for Immediate Relatives
3. Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
Marrying a U.S. citizen allows immigrants to apply for a Green Card through a spousal visa. After three years of marriage as a permanent resident, they may apply for naturalization.
Apply here: Spousal Visa Information
4. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery offers a random selection process for applicants from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S. If selected, individuals receive a Green Card and can apply for citizenship after five years.
Apply here: DV Lottery Application
5. Employment-Based Immigration (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3)
Highly skilled workers or professionals in high-demand fields may obtain a Green Card through employment-based visas, including EB-1 and EB-3 categories. After five years, applicants can apply for U.S. citizenship.
Apply here: Employment-Based Green Card
6. Refugee or Asylum Seeker Pathway
Individuals fleeing persecution can apply for refugee or asylum status and later adjust their status to permanent resident. After five years, they may apply for citizenship.
- Apply here: Asylum Application
- Apply here: Refugee Information
7. Family-Based Immigration (Preference Categories)
Siblings and married children of U.S. citizens can apply for Green Cards, though the process may take several years due to long waiting times. Once approved, applicants can apply for citizenship after five years.
Apply here: Family Preference Green Card
8. Study-to-Citizenship Pathway
International students who graduate from U.S. universities on F-1 visas can transition to work visas like H-1B, secure employer sponsorship, and eventually apply for citizenship after five years.
Apply here: Steps to Naturalization
9. Special Immigrant Visas and Humanitarian Pathways
Special immigrant visas are available for those who have worked with U.S. forces abroad or victims of trafficking. After receiving a Green Card, they may apply for citizenship.
Apply here: Special Immigrant Visa
10. EB-5 Investor Visa
Through the EB-5 program, individuals who invest $900,000 to $1.8 million in a U.S. business may obtain a Green Card. Citizenship can be pursued after five years.
Apply here: EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
11. Adoption Pathway
Children under 18 who are adopted by U.S. citizens automatically gain citizenship upon entering the U.S. as permanent residents.
Apply here: Adoption Process
12. Special Legal Provisions
Some individuals may qualify for citizenship under special provisions, such as the U visa for victims of crime or the registry for those who have lived in the U.S. since 1972.
Common requirements for U.S. citizenship
Regardless of the pathway, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have continuous residence for 3 to 5 years as a Green Card holder, and be physically present in the U.S. for 18 to 30 months, depending on their specific situation.
Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take the Oath of Allegiance.
The road to U.S. citizenship in 2025 involves multiple options, each with its own challenges. Understanding the requirements of each pathway is essential for anyone seeking permanent residency or citizenship in the United States.
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