Maple News reports that Canada is expanding flexibility for refugees seeking resettlement, clarifying that applicants are not required to present an exit permit or proof of legal status in their host country to have their application processed. The exemption applies under the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) for issuing a permanent residence visa, and the guidance also allows refugees to omit dependents from a PR application to facilitate entry when they cannot travel together.
New guidance from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) addresses situations where exit permits are difficult to obtain, often due to status in the host country or high fees. Officers can proceed with processing and approving resettlement applications even if an exit permit is not available, provided the applicant is not inadmissible and meets program requirements. The absence of an exit permit is not a valid grounds for refusal.
When exit barriers persist, the policy outlines three options: the applicant may withdraw the application; the file may be put on hold for a defined period (typically up to six months) to allow conditions to change; or the officer may proceed to a final decision and issue a permanent residence visa. In the latter case, the applicant must exit the host country by the visa expiry date; if exit is not possible, the file is closed and a new application would be required.
In exceptional circumstances—such as an imminent threat to life or safety—a principal applicant may seek to reclassify dependents who cannot obtain exit permits from “accompanying” to “non-accompanying,” allowing resettlement in Canada without further delay, though some family members may be left behind.
Analysts say the update could reduce bottlenecks for refugees in precarious situations and improve timelines for resettlement, while also raising considerations for family reunification and the practical logistics of leaving dependents behind.