Saudi Nationals given Canadian Visa Extension
The Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia recently announced that some Saudi nationals will have the chance to obtain extended validity, multiple-entry visas to visit Canada.
Prior, the Canadian visas were only valid for a period of 18 months. Now, Saudi nationals may be able to study in Canada or work in Canada for up to five years, entering and leaving the country multiple times.
“The new visa regulations will greatly facilitate movement between our countries, promote better understanding and bolster our strong relationship,” said Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, David Chatterson in a press release, “It will be easier for Saudis staying in Canada to travel back and forth and for Saudi business people to work with their Canadian partners.”
Immigration Visa fast-track for Afghan Translators Approved
Meanwhile, the Canadian government also announced that a new immigration fast-track for Afghan translators has been in the works.
The translators have an extremely important job in Afghanistan, but their position presents dangerous risks. In order to come to Canada the translators need one year of service to Canada, a recommendation from either a senior military soldier or diplomat, as well as meet all of the standard Canadian immigration criteria such as security, criminal and medical screening.
The special program involves a committee that consists of National Defence officials, Foreign Affairs officials, as well as immigration officials. This committee has so far approved 25 of 114 applications to come to Canada, or 21 per cent. The translators will also be allowed to bring two family members with them.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
