IRCC introduced a temporary policy for Haitians due to the crisis in Haiti. On May 23, 2024, the immigration minister talked about the new temporary initiatives. The immigration department has incorporated a temporary policy for Haitians with a valid temporary resident status. The policy also applies to those with family members of Canadian citizenship and PR. Furthermore, Haitians with Canadian family ties or those already on work, study, or visitor visas can apply for an Open Work Permit, study permit, or extension of status, free of cost. Moreover, eligible candidates will also be liable to have health insurance coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program.
IRCC introduced a temporary policy for Haitians due to the crisis – Eligibility under the new temporary policy
Eligibility requirements for this new temporary stream will only apply to the following:
- Haitian nationals and Canada’s passport holders with a valid status of temporary residence.
- Family members with Canadian citizens and PR holders:
- Departed from Haiti after March 1, 2024. However, family members, Canadian citizens, or PR holders can’t be in Haiti at the time of application.
- Those who came to Canada on or before April 26, 2024.
- Those in Canada hold a temporary resident status.
Canada’s permanent residents who:
- Departed from Haiti after March 31, 2024.
- Those who came to Canada on or prior to April 26, 2024.
- Those who have a waiting period for provincial or territorial health coverage.
Haitian Nationals who:
- Outside Canada;
- Those with PR applications in progress.
IRCC also acknowledged that Haitian nationals residing outside of Canada who have had their passports lost amidst the ongoing humanitarian crises yet have submitted immigration applications for Canada and are on the verge of receiving approval for a permanent residence visa may potentially be eligible to travel to Canada even in the absence of a passport.
According to the department, there are nearly 44,000 Haitians in Canada with a valid temporary resident status.
Family members also include individuals related to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, irrespective of their nationality, who entered Canada as temporary residents via assisted departures from Haiti.
Looking at the bigger strategy at play
The new temporary policy is a crucial part of the more significant strategy that the Canadian government has incorporated to address the Humanitarian challenge in Haiti.
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