These are certainly welcome news for those separated by their loved ones. There has been a significant #prioritizefamilysponsorship movement lately. Particularly a facebook group named Spousal Sponsorship Advocates truly pushed for a change and did everything they could to make their voices heard. This includes numerous rallies in all major Canadian cities, petitions (6,000+ signatures strong), recruiting Members of Parliament to the cause, engaging media both broadcast, print and online. My hat’s off to all those who fought for what they believed in.

Now, all that we hope is for the new technology to work without serious hickups, so that the target levels can be met. It is also unclear whether or not the permanent residence application element of outland spousal applications will be included in this initiative. If not, then this initiative might help with only one part of the problem. Visa offices around the world are still working at limited capacity. Also, biometrics collection is an ongoing problem in many Visa Application Centres around the world. But let’s not sour the tone here! Today is a good day!