The Government of Canada has updated and extended its temporary public policy to support family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who fled the conflict in Sudan. This revised policy, which replaces the previous version from October 27, 2024, ensures that eligible individuals can continue to maintain legal status in Canada, work, study, and access permanent residence pathways.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for exemptions under this public policy, the applicant must:
- Be a national of Sudan.
- Be in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
- Have left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
- Be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who also left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
- Have entered Canada before July 15, 2023.
- Have applied for one or more of the following:
- An extension of temporary resident status or a temporary resident permit.
- A work permit (if applying under this category).
- A study permit (if applying under this category).
- Permanent residence under the Family Class or the Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class.
Key Benefits for Eligible Applicants
- Fee-Exempt Open Work and Study Permits
Eligible applicants can apply for an open work permit or study permit without paying processing or biometric fees.
- Extended Temporary Status in Canada
Those unable to return to Sudan can apply for temporary resident status extensions without paying fees.
- Permanent Residence Application Fee Waivers
Eligible applicants applying for permanent residence under the Family Class or Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class will have their application processing and biometric fees waived.
- Exemptions from Certain Immigration Requirements
- Work Permit Applications: Exemption from the requirement to apply for a work permit before entering Canada.
- Study Permit Applications: Exemption from the requirement to apply for a study permit before entering Canada.
- Permanent Residence Applications: Exemption from the requirement to pay certain application processing fees.
Provisions for Fee Exemptions
- Temporary Resident Applications– No fees for:
- Temporary resident permit applications.
- Temporary resident status extensions.
- Biometric collection services.
- Work Permit Applications– No fees for:
- Work permit applications.
- Biometric collection services.
- Study Permit Applications– No fees for:
- Study permit applications.
- Biometric collection services.
- Permanent Residence Applications– No fees for:
- Family Class or Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class PR applications.
- Biometric collection services.
Effective Date & Expiry
- Effective Immediately(upon signature of the Minister).
- Expires on October 27, 2025, unless revoked earlier.
- Applications submitted before the expiration or revocation datewill continue to be processed under this policy.
Why This Policy Matters
- Recognizes the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan – Canada acknowledges that returning to Sudan is unsafe for many affected families.
- Provides Immigration Stability – Ensures that Sudanese nationals who arrived under emergency circumstances can legally stay, work, and study in Canada.
- Reduces Financial Barriers – Fee waivers make it easier for affected individuals to maintain legal status and apply for permanent residence.
What This Means for Affected Individuals
- If you are already in Canada under temporary resident status and meet the eligibility criteria, you can:
- Extend your stay without fees.
- Apply for a fee-exempt open work permit or study permit.
- Apply for permanent residence without paying processing fees (if eligible under the Family Class or Spouse/Common-Law Partner in Canada Class).
- If you have already submitted an application under the previous public policy, your application will be processed under this updated version.
Need Assistance?
At Fridman and company, we specialize in immigration matters and can assist Sudanese nationals and their families in navigating this updated public policy. If you need help applying for a work or study permit, extending your status, or applying for permanent residence, contact us for expert guidance.
For official details, visit the Government of Canada website or reach out to us for personalized assistance.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, consult an immigration lawyer.