Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to offer special immigration pathways and assistance for Afghan nationals affected by the Taliban’s return to power. These measures include resettlement support, family sponsorship prioritization, and humanitarian initiatives, along with opportunities for Canadians to contribute directly to refugee resettlement efforts.
Canadians looking to support Afghan refugees can volunteer or donate goods such as clothing, furniture, or funds. To get involved, individuals are encouraged to contact refugee resettlement organizations via afghaniresettlement@ccislive.ca or reach out to their local newcomer service provider organization.
Private sponsorship remains one of the most impactful ways to help Afghans relocate safely to Canada. Interested parties can sponsor refugees through established Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs) or form a Group of Five—a group made up of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents committed to sponsoring a refugee.
In addition, IRCC is giving priority to family sponsorship applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to reunite with Afghan family members. Eligible categories include spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and certain extended relatives such as orphaned siblings, nieces, and nephews under 18.
Canada has also committed to resettling at least 20,000 vulnerable Afghans through two dedicated programs: one for Afghans who directly assisted the Canadian government, and another humanitarian initiative aimed at especially vulnerable groups including women leaders, LGBTQ+ individuals, journalists, human rights advocates, and extended family members of interpreters who previously helped Canada. Eligibility is not limited to those currently residing in Afghanistan.
Questions about these special immigration measures can be directed to Canada-Afghanistan@international.gc.ca or IRCC.SituationAfghanistan.IRCC@cic.gc.ca. These contact points are open for both Afghans abroad seeking resettlement and Canadians looking to bring family members to safety.
Afghan nationals already in Canada on temporary resident status also have options to extend their stay. IRCC advises them to file the appropriate extension requests to remain legally in the country.
For Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently in Afghanistan needing urgent travel documents or assistance, IRCC urges immediate contact through their designated email address: IRCC.SituationAfghanistan.IRCC@cic.gc.ca.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on Canada’s evolving humanitarian efforts and immigration policies supporting Afghans in need.