Maple News reports that Canada has launched two new immigration pathways tailored for refugee claimants who worked on the front lines of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting December 14, applications for permanent residency will be accepted from individuals who provided essential direct care to Canadians under challenging conditions.
The initiative, introduced by Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino, is a temporary measure recognizing the contributions of asylum seekers—especially orderlies, nurses, and patient aides—who served in medical facilities during the pandemic. The new programs are split geographically: one targets applicants in Quebec, and the other is open to claimants residing in other provinces across Canada.
Applications are open between December 14 and August 31, 2021. To qualify, applicants must meet standard admissibility requirements, including assessments related to criminal, medical, and security clearances. Family members already in Canada can be included in permanent residency applications, offering relief and stability to entire households.
Significantly, Canada will also consider unpaid internships, as long as they were an integral part of a post-secondary education program, vocational training, or a requirement from a professional order within eligible occupations. This inclusive policy ensures that different types of essential contributions are formally acknowledged.
In a compassionate extension of the initiative, the Canadian government is allowing the spouses and common-law partners of refugee claimants who died from COVID-19 to apply for permanent residence—provided they arrived in the country before August 14, 2020. This move highlights Canada’s recognition of the sacrifices made by these frontline workers and their families.
Applications must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal agency governing immigration processes. IRCC will verify eligibility and admissibility before making a final decision on granting permanent residency.
For applicants residing in Quebec, the process includes an additional evaluation step. Once IRCC deems them eligible, Quebec’s immigration authority, the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI), will assess applicants under its special refugee program. Successful applicants will then receive a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ), a prerequisite for obtaining permanent residency in the province.
Canada’s move reflects a broader trend of valuing the contributions of immigrant and refugee workers in essential sectors, especially during times of crisis. Maple News will continue to monitor and report any updates to the program’s timelines or eligibility criteria.