Canada Announces New Permanent Residence Pathway For Families Of PS752 Victims

Canada has announced a new pathway to permanent residence for family members of victims of the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752.

For the next year, families of those on the flight who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents or approved to work or study here can apply for permanent residence.

The pathway is design to include most of those who did not qualify under previous public policies, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said.

Fight PS752 was mistakenly shot down by Iran on January 8, 2020, killing all 176 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents.

“The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. “As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice and human rights.

“Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”

Eligible Family Members

To apply for permanent residence under this pathway, you must be an eligible family member of a victim. Eligible family members include:

Option 1: Relatives of the Victim

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Child
• Grandchild
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Sibling (including half-siblings)

Option 2: Relatives of the Victim’s Spouse or Common-Law Partner

• Child
• Grandchild
• Parent
• Grandparent
• Sibling (including half-siblings)

If You’re Inside Canada

To apply under this pathway as the principal applicant, you must:

1. Relationship to Victim
   • Be an eligible family member of a victim (or their spouse or common-law partner) who passed away on Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 and was approved to work or study in Canada at the time of their passing.
2. Location Requirements
   • Be in Canada at the time of:
     • Submitting your application.
     • Being granted permanent residence.
3. Province Requirement
   • Plan to live outside of Quebec.
4. Inadmissibility Exceptions
   • Not be inadmissible to Canada except for specific non-compliance issues, including:
     • Entering Canada without the required visa or document.
     • Overstaying a visa, visitor record, work permit, student permit, or temporary resident permit.
     • Working or studying without proper authorization.
5. Additional Eligibility Requirements
   • Meet at least one of the following criteria:
     • Had valid temporary resident status in Canada on January 8, 2020.
     • Were granted temporary resident status or a permit after January 8, 2020, and applied before March 23, 2021.
     • Made a refugee claim between January 8, 2020, and October 27, 2024, were in Canada on October 28, 2024, and have not yet been granted protected person status.
6. Family Members’ Requirements
   • Family members applying from inside Canada must also not be inadmissible, except for the reasons listed above.

If You’re Outside Canada

To apply under this pathway as the principal applicant, you must:

1. Relationship to Victim
   • Be an eligible family member of a victim (or their spouse or common-law partner) who passed away on Flight PS752 and was either:
     • Approved to work or study in Canada at the time of their passing.
     • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or individual with a positive eligibility decision for permanent residence at the time of their passing.
2. Location Requirements
   • Be outside Canada when:
     • Submitting your application.
     • Being granted permanent residence.
3. Province Requirement
   • Intend to live outside of Quebec.
4. Inadmissibility Requirement
   • Not be inadmissible to Canada.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Forms and Documents

1. Document Checklist
   • Use the Document Checklist (IMM 0257) to ensure all required forms and documents are included. Place this checklist as a cover sheet on top of your application package.
2. Declare All Family Members
   • Include all family members on your application, even if they aren’t moving to Canada. Missing family members cannot be sponsored later.
3. Instruction Guide
   • Refer to Application Instruction Guide (Guide 0258E) for detailed guidance on completing the application.

Step 2: Complete Required PDF Forms

1. Forms to Print and Mail
   • Document Checklist (IMM 0257) – use as a cover sheet.
   • Generic Application Form for Canada (IMM 0008) – follow any special instructions.
   • Schedule A – Background/Declaration (IMM 5669).
2. Additional Forms (If Applicable)
   • Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP) – if more dependents need to be declared.
   • Additional Family Information (IMM 5406).
   • Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) – if using a representative.
   • Authority to Release Personal Information (IMM 5475) – if allowing information release to someone other than yourself.
3. Technical Assistance
   • Follow special instructions in the guide if you encounter technical issues with any form.

Step 3: Pay Application Fees

1. Fee Payment
   • Pay all fees online, then print and include the receipt with your application. Fees may include:
     • Processing Fees – for all applicants included in your application.
     • Right of Permanent Residence Fee – required before your application can be approved.
     • Biometrics Fee – if applicable, covers fingerprinting and photo.
2. Other Potential Fees
   • Based on your situation, you may need to pay additional fees for:
     • Medical exams.
     • Police certificates.

Step 4: Submit Your Completed Application

1. Organize Documents
   • Place the document checklist on top of your application package as a cover.
   • Use elastic bands or paper clips (no staples, binders, or plastic sleeves).
2. Verify Application Details
   • Check that all questions are answered, all forms are printed and signed, the fee receipt is included, and all supporting documents are in order.
3. Mailing Address
   • Send your complete application to:
     • IRCC – Humanitarian Migration Vancouver
       Victims of air disasters public policies – VAD
       300-800 Burrard St.
       Vancouver, BC, Canada
       V6Z 0B6
     • Note: Applications sent to other offices will not be accepted.
4. Completeness Check
   • If any required items are missing, your application will be returned unprocessed, and you’ll need to resubmit after corrections.

Step 5: Track Your Application

• Use a Tracking Service
  • When mailing, choose a postal or courier service with tracking to confirm delivery to the IRCC office.