In response to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, the Government of Canada has extended immigration measures to support immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Sudan. These measures, effective from May 16, 2024, to October 27, 2024, are designed to ease the process for these family members to travel and settle in Canada. This initiative follows the outbreak of violence in Sudan on April 15, 2023, and aims to provide crucial assistance to affected families.
Key Measures for Sudanese Family Members
Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)
Under the extended immigration measures, eligible family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can receive a fee-exempt Temporary Resident Permit (TRP). This permit facilitates their travel to Canada and waives the usual application fees. The TRP must be obtained before July 15, 2023, to qualify for further benefits upon arrival in Canada.
Open Work and Study Permits
Once in Canada, these family members can apply for fee-exempt open work or study permits. This provision allows them to work or study without the usual fees, providing significant financial relief and enabling them to integrate more quickly into Canadian society.
Permanent Residence Applications
Eligible family members can also submit fee-exempt applications for permanent residence under the family class. This measure ensures that they have a clear path to settling in Canada permanently, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to family reunification.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from these measures, the following criteria must be met:
- Family Member Status: The applicant must be an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
- Location: The applicant must be outside Sudan and in a third country.
- Travel Timeline: The applicant must have left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
Definition of Family Member
Eligible family members include:
- The spouse or common-law partner of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Dependent children of the Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or their spouse or common-law partner.
- Dependent children of dependent children.
- Extended family members do not qualify under these measures.
Applying for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and Permits
Eligible family members must apply for a TRP through the IRCC’s online portal. Applications are processed on a priority basis, with specific exemption codes used to waive fees. In cases where applicants do not meet the standard requirements for a TRV, officers may issue a single-entry TRP to facilitate travel to Canada, using their discretion to waive certain requirements as necessary.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Family members who require an eTA must submit their application via the standard process. Most applications are automatically approved, but an officer will review those with issues.
Port of Entry Processing
Upon arrival in Canada, eligible family members can receive a period of authorized stay for up to two years or until their travel document expires, whichever comes first. Border services officers can authorize this stay and facilitate the entry process.
Post-Arrival Benefits
After entering Canada, eligible family members admitted before July 15, 2023, can apply for fee-exempt open work permits and study permits. These applications are processed on a priority basis to support quick integration into Canadian life.
Applying for Permanent Residence
Eligible family members can apply for permanent residence under the family class without paying the usual fees. Applications are processed on a priority basis, with specific exemption codes used to waive fees. The eligibility criteria for permanent residence applications include being in Canada with valid temporary resident status and having entered Canada before July 15, 2023.
Fee Waivers
The following fees are waived for eligible applicants:
- Temporary resident visa (TRV) application fee
- Temporary resident permit (TRP) application fee
- Open work permit application fee
- Study permit application fee
- Permanent residence application fee
- Biometric enrolment fee
Canada’s extension of immigration measures for relatives of citizens and permanent residents who left Sudan demonstrates the country’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and family reunification.
These measures provide vital support to those affected by the crisis in Sudan, offering a clear path to safety and stability in Canada. By easing the immigration process and waiving fees, Canada ensures that affected families can quickly integrate and contribute to their new communities.
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