Canada Announces New Immigration Measures for Haitians

Canada announces temporary measures to support family members of Canadians who have left Haiti, along with Haitian nationals who are already in Canada and are unable to return to Haiti.

“We are deeply concerned for the well-being of people in Haiti,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. “The measures announced today will make it easier for family members of Canadians who fled Haiti to stay in Canada with their families, and enable Haitian nationals to work and study in a safe environment.”

Starting May 23, 2024, Haitians with valid temporary resident status in Canada can apply for a study permit, open work permit, or status extension at no cost. This includes foreign national family members, regardless of their nationality, who came as temporary residents through assisted departures out of Haiti.

Eligible individuals will be provided with three months of Interim Federal Health Program coverage. Roughly 44,000 Haitians hold temporary resident status in Canada. IRCC added that Haitian nationals outside of Canada who lost their passport because of the humanitarian crisis but have applied to immigrate to Canada are ready for approval for a Canada PR and can travel to Canada without a passport.

Ottawa believes that in the middle of the increasingly volatile security situation in Haiti, these measures will keep families together and provide Haitians in Canada a safe place to study, work, and stay. Canada completed assisted departures from Haiti, which successfully transported 681 people, including 435 Canadian citizens, 111 Canadian permanent residents, and 135 temporary residents to safety.

In line with its humanitarian approach to immigration, Ottawa prioritizes processing permanent residency applications for Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans through a dedicated humanitarian pathway.

‘Anchor’ Family Members in Canada

The pathway is for those in South or Central America, Mexico, or the Caribbean with a Canadian family member willing to support their application. This “anchor” must declare their intention to assist for one year and prove no monetary compensation was received. Approved applications have fees waived, including the Right of Permanent Residence, application, and biometric fees. Pre-departure medical services and travel costs are covered, with three months’ financial assistance and free settlement services provided to integrate into Canadian society and the workforce. This initiative underscores Canada’s dedication to humanitarian aid and family reunification.

For more details, you can visit the official announcement here.