New Canadian Immigration Minister to reduce fees

The Honourable Monte Solberg, P.C., M.P. has been appointed Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Solberg is a family man who prior to entering public life was a successful broadcaster and director of the Albert Association of Broadcasters.

In 1993 Solberg was elected to the House of Commons and re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. On March 20th, 2006 the Honourable Monte Solberg made a speech at a conference in Toronto indicating that the promise of reducing immigration fees is in process. The Right of Permanent Resident Fee which is presently CAD$ 975 per adult over the age of 22 will be reduced by half.

"Our efforts should be focused on welcoming newcomers and helping them fit in, not taxing them to death".

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government are putting into place systems to assess foreign credentials so that new immigrants may obtain better employment. Another priority of the Canadian government will be to award citizenship to children adopted outside of Canada by Canadian parents.

Solberg could not advise exactly when the fee reduction would take place. The professionals at RSS will only submit the Right of Permanent Resident Fee at the end of an application process. Delaying the submission of an application until the reduction is effective would not benefit an applicant. Our experience at RSS is that this fee is not payable until 12 - 36 months after submission of an application.