On This Page You Will Find:
- Overview of the Sudan immigration measures extension
- Eligibility for Sudanese nationals and their families
- Fee waivers for work, study, and visitor permits
- Permanent resident visa and passport exemptions
- Support for family members of Canadians from Sudan
- Frequently asked questions
Background
Canada has extended its special immigration measures for Sudan until October 28, 2026. These measures were introduced in April 2023 after conflict broke out between rival factions in Sudan, forcing many Sudanese nationals and families of Canadians to flee or remain stranded abroad.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiative allows Sudanese nationals already in Canada to maintain legal status and provides flexibility for those who cannot return home due to the ongoing crisis.
Eligibility
The temporary public policy applies to:
- Sudanese nationals in Canada on a valid temporary resident visa (visitor, worker, or student) who need to extend or change their status
- Sudanese nationals abroad who are approved for a permanent resident visa but have lost their passports due to the conflict
- Immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Sudan after April 15, 2023, and entered Canada before July 15, 2023
Applicants must be physically in Canada with valid temporary status when applying. Those needing to restore status must pay the restoration fee, as restoration is not covered by the special measures.
Program-Specific Special Measures
1. Fee Waiver for Extending or Changing Status
Sudanese nationals in Canada can extend their temporary resident status or change conditions of stay without paying standard processing fees. This includes visitor record extensions and temporary resident permits.
2. Work Permit Fee Exemption
Eligible Sudanese nationals can apply for or renew open work permits in Canada free of charge. These permits help individuals support themselves while the situation in Sudan remains unstable.
3. Study Permit Fee Exemption
Sudanese students in Canada can apply for or extend study permits without paying fees. They are exempt from providing a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter due to the crisis.
4. Permanent Resident Visa Passport Exemption
Sudanese nationals approved for permanent residence but unable to obtain a passport because of the conflict can still be issued a visa. IRCC allows entry using a Single Journey Travel Document under these conditions.
5. Biometrics Fee Waiver
Applicants in Canada under these measures do not need to pay biometric enrolment fees. The waiver applies to both temporary and family class permanent residence applications.
Measures for Family Members of Canadians
Canada also extended measures for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who escaped Sudan after the conflict began.
Eligible relatives can apply in Canada for:
- Fee-exempt extensions of temporary status
- Open work or study permits
- Permanent residence under the family class
These measures ensure that families who fled together are not separated due to administrative or financial barriers.
Summary
The Sudan temporary immigration measures are part of Canada’s humanitarian response to the ongoing conflict. They provide fee exemptions, permit flexibility, and passport waivers for Sudanese nationals and families of Canadians impacted by the crisis.
All standard admissibility and eligibility requirements continue to apply. The extension until October 28, 2026, ensures continued protection and stability for those affected.
FAQ
Who is eligible for Canada’s Sudan special immigration measures?
Sudanese nationals in Canada on valid temporary status and family members of Canadians who fled Sudan after April 2023 may qualify for these measures if they meet the listed criteria.
How long are the Sudan temporary measures valid?
The measures are valid until October 28, 2026, giving applicants nearly three years to apply for fee exemptions and status extensions under this policy.
Can I apply for an open work permit under these measures?
Yes. Eligible Sudanese nationals in Canada may apply for or renew an open work permit without paying processing fees. Applicants must remain in Canada during processing.
Are there fee waivers for study permits?
Yes. Sudanese students in Canada can apply for or extend their study permits free of charge and are exempt from providing a provincial attestation letter.
What if I lost my passport in the conflict?
Sudanese nationals approved for permanent residence but unable to obtain a passport can still be issued a Single Journey Travel Document under IRCC’s humanitarian policy.
