It is worth noting that this type of state fee has not always existed. It was introduced in 1995 by the Liberal government, and all that time, until May 3 of this year, the amount was 975 Canadian dollars. That is, each family consisting of two spouses had to pay 1,950 Canadian dollars before entering Canada. Now the same family will pay only 980 dollars, that is, almost a thousand less.
Undoubtedly, the reduction of the RPRF state fee is a significant event, and here is why. It cannot be said that the reduction in the fee will greatly ease the lives of immigrants arriving in Canada. Honestly, against the backdrop of the overall costs associated with moving, settling in a new place, and the cost of living in Canada, the savings on RPRF payments look modest. So it is not about the fees themselves, although extra money never hurts. The reduction of state fees is significant because it is, after all, part of the Conservatives' election promises that they actually fulfilled.
Overall, the impression is that the Conservatives intend to implement all their plans. This gives hope that the statements of Canada's new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Monte Solberg, about improving the work of immigration authorities and reducing processing times at embassies may also be fulfilled.
In particular, among the new minister's promises are plans to change the situation regarding recognition of education obtained in other countries and to create better conditions for immigrants to adapt. In particular, there is little doubt that an agency will soon be created for the preliminary assessment of the qualifications of newly arriving immigrants in order to recognize these qualifications and, accordingly, facilitate their employment. This is especially important for specialists whose work in Canada requires licensing, such as doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and so on.
Returning to the Conservatives' election promises and their fulfillment, it should also be noted that processing times for applications have been significantly reduced. At least, based on the example of our clients going through the Canadian embassy in Moscow, we have felt a significant improvement. Cases are handled faster, a decision on scheduling an interview comes literally within 6-8 months after filing the application, and there are more cases of exemption from interviews.
So, in our opinion, the situation with immigration to Canada right now is very favorable, which, combined with the country's good economic condition, makes it most attractive as a place to live. Canada's economy is developing rapidly, the unemployment rate is the lowest in recent years, and the value of the Canadian dollar has approached that of the American dollar and broke the record of 1978. Moreover, the rules introduced four years ago, under which persons with permanent resident status can live outside Canada for three years out of five, make immigration to this country a good insurance for the future. When there is no need to immediately make a decision about a final move, given the right granted to you to remain outside Canada for three years, preparing yourself the opportunity to move seems a very reasonable step. It is obvious that even those living in the countries of the former USSR whose lives are well-arranged (a job with a good salary, profitable business, connections, etc.) and who seemingly have no reason to think about moving, would do well to have a backup plan for the future - if not for themselves, then at least for their children. Moreover, not everything is determined by material well-being alone; there are many other factors that make up the concept of quality of life, which are present in Canada and absent in the countries of the former Union.
Also, for some reason, few people consider immigration to Canada as an opportunity to give their children a good start. At the same time, having obtained permanent resident status for the whole family, even if you do not plan to live in Canada, in addition to the insurance for the future, you guarantee your children the opportunity to live and study here as permanent residents. First of all, this concerns studying at Canadian universities and colleges, where tuition fees for permanent residents are significantly lower than for foreign students and are among the lowest in the leading countries of the world. Moreover, as a permanent resident of Canada, your child studying at a university or college will have the opportunity to receive interest-free loans for education from banks. This is only a small part of the advantages of immigration to Canada.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize once again that the favorable situation for immigration to Canada continues to persist. However, it is difficult to say how long this will last. The situation may change at any moment, given the past experience of frequent changes of immigration ministers and the ambiguous attitude toward immigration in Canadian society.
All those who paid the RPRF state fees before May 3, 2006 (that is, in the amount of $975 CAD) but did not enter Canada and did not obtain permanent resident status before that date are entitled to compensation in the amount of $485 CAD. Information on how to obtain compensation is published on the website of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration of Canada: www.cic.gc.ca
Elena RYABININA.
«Russian Toronto»