Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a special immigration pathway to support families impacted by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Starting February 27, 2024, Canada will begin accepting up to 3,250 applications under this new permanent residence (PR) initiative designed to reunite families and provide stability to those displaced by the crisis. Successful applicants will receive permanent resident status and access to free settlement services. Notably, IRCC has announced that the right of permanent residence fee will be waived for individuals accepted through this program.
The new family-based sponsorship pathway targets individuals who were residing in Sudan as of April 15, 2023, and do not have another country to safely return to. Eligible applicants must have family ties to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is willing to provide support—referred to as an ‘anchor.’ Acceptable family relationships include children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, and grandparents.
Anchors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old, residing in a province or territory outside of Quebec. They are expected to financially support the applicants for at least one year without receiving any compensation. Additionally, anchors must prove financial capability and meet specific eligibility criteria, including not being bankrupt, incarcerated, or in default on government debts.
Applicants under this program must plan to live outside Quebec and must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons unrelated to finances. The program also considers individuals whose spouses or common-law partners are either missing, deceased, or unable to leave Sudan, provided all other eligibility conditions are met.
To apply, eligible individuals must use the official IRCC PR portal. Applications must be complete, including sworn declarations from anchors, and all required documents. Incomplete applications will be returned, although resubmission may be allowed if the program hasn’t reached its intake cap.
According to the 2021 Canadian Census, Canada is home to over 17,000 people with Sudanese ethnic or cultural origins, including nearly 4,700 recent immigrants born in Sudan. This pathway reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian efforts and family reunification amid global conflicts.
Maple News will continue to provide updates as IRCC implements this initiative and further supports those affected by the Sudan conflict.