By: Dana Kyle, Case Manager
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced a new family-based permanent residence pathway for people affected by the conflict in Sudan. The government announced on 23 February 2024 that this new program will give people affected by the conflict in Sudan a new pathway to immigrate to Canada, similar to the special measures for Palestinians living in Gaza who are related to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Through this new policy, the Canadian Government has committed to accepting up to 3,250 applications from individuals or families who resided in Sudan when the conflict began on 15 April 2023 who are the child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent of a sibling or an extended family member in Canada. The extended family member in Canada must be a citizen or permanent resident and willing to support their relative’s application.
Eligibility Requirements
- have been living in Sudan on April 15, 2023
- not have another country to return to other than Sudan or Canada
- be the child (of any age), grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling of an eligible anchor
- give us a statutory declaration from the anchor above that states
- they plan to support you and any family members that come with you to Canada for 1 year
- they have not (and will not) accept any money from you or your family members
- plan to live in a province or territory other than Quebec
- not be inadmissible for reasons other than financial ones
The Anchor
The “anchor” is a family member who agrees to support an extended family member for 1 year to help them settle and integrate. This includes providing financial support for basic needs such as housing, food, and shelter.
The anchor must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- prove they have enough funds to meet the financial requirement
The anchor must prove that they have enough income or savings to support all of the people they will be financially responsible for, including themselves, once they become an anchor. The minimum income requirements are outlined similarly to the requirements in a family sponsorship application.
How to Apply
Individuals may apply online using the Permanent Residence Portal. IRCC has committed to accepting and processing the first 3,250 complete applications that are submitted. However, according to IRCC, submitting an application does not guarantee that it will be processed
IRCC’s Commitments
The Canadian Government has committed to waive the Right of Permanent Residence Fee and biometrics fee for these applications, and will provide free settlement services before and after applicants arrive to assist with joining Canadian society and the workforce.
The new pathway opened on 27 February 2024. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the Government of Canada website here:
