http://www.news.gc.ca/cfmx/CCP/view/en/index.cfm?articleid=139159

Ottawa unveiled a series of changes to Canada’s immigration system Monday aimed at cutting processing times, attracting more foreign students and helping immigrants’ parents and grandparents come to this country.

“Canada’s immigration system is a model for the world, and today’s measures allow us to maintain and enhance our position,” Immigration Minister Joe Volpe said.

Under the plan, reported in Monday’s Globe and Mail, Ottawa will invest $69-million over two years to return processing times to an average of 12 months for citizenship papers and four months for a proof of citizenship by 2007-2008.

The changes also mean that citizenship applicants will be exempt from language ability and knowledge-of-Canada tests at age 55, rather than the current 60.

As well, the federal government said it would be more flexible in issuing multiple-entry visitor visas to parents and grandparents, meaning it will be easier for them to visit family in Canada while their applications are being processed.

Ottawa expects the new measures to increase the number of parents and grandparents immigrating to Canada in 2005 and 2006 by 12,000 each year. Originally, the federal government had expected about 6,000 new immigrants in that category this year.

“Reuniting families is a commitment of the government of Canada as well as a key priority of Canada’s immigration program,” Mr. Volpe said.

The new measures come as the minority Liberal government faces the prospect of a spring election as opposition parties threaten to pull the trigger in the wake of damaging testimony at the Gomery inquiry.

Also under Monday’s announcement, Ottawa said it would expand a pair of pilot programs targeted at international students.

The first would allow international students to work off campus while completing their studies.

The second measure will let international students continue to work for a second year after graduation instead of only one, but only in communities other than Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. The second initiative is meant to “spread the benefits of immigration to more regions in Canada,” Citizenship and Immigration Canada said in Monday’s announcement.

Ottawa will spend $10-million a year for five years to support the education initiatives.