Canada Permanent Residence Canada Visitor Visa Canadian Citizenship Immigration Updates
Canada Helps Sudan Amidst Ongoing Crisis
Since April 2023, the volatile situation in Sudan, referred to as “the world’s worst humanitarian and displacement crisis,” by the UN Refugee Agency, has forced millions of Sudanese nationals to flee their homes. Canada has since introduced special temporary immigration measures for Sudanese nationals, whether they are already in Canada and cannot go home or trying to escape the conflict by fleeing.
Canada’s efforts offer safety and stability for the Sudanese people by extending or reopening certain immigration programs allowing them to stay in Canada temporarily or even long-term by becoming a permanent resident, depending on their situation.
Support for Sudan
Some Canadian citizens and permanent residents were living in Sudan or visiting family there before the conflict. As a result of the conflict, many had to leave the country suddenly, and in some cases, they brought family members who weren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents. To help keep families together, the Canadian government introduced emergency programs, such as the family-based permanent residence pathway program, that makes it easier for these non-Canadian relatives to get immigration support quickly and stay in Canada with their family.
For a full list of reopened and extended programs which is a part of the temporary measures in place for Sudanese nationals, please visit the Canadian government website.
Immigration Pathways for Sudanese Nationals
Since the crisis began, Canada has had two main immigration pathways in place for the people of Sudan:
- Family-based Permanent Residence
Permanent residency can be achieved through sponsorship by a close family member who’s already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Foreign national family members who fled Sudan on or after April 15, 2023, as well as those who entered Canada before July 15, 2023, are eligible for this temporary measure. If you qualify for permanent residency, you can stay in Canada long-term by eventually applying for and becoming a Canadian citizen.
If permanent residence is not an option right away, you might still be able to stay in Canada temporarily, depending on your situation.
The Canadian government has introduced special temporary measures in place until October 27, 2025, for individuals impacted by the conflict in Sudan such as Sudanese Nationals in Canada:
- Sudanese nationals in Canada who want to extend their temporary resident status or apply for another temporary resident document.
- Those who were living in Sudan when the conflict began and have extended family in Canada (who are citizens or permanent residents) can apply through the Family-Based Pathway to Permanent Residence. This program reopened on February 25, 2025, due to the crisis.
- Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents who are affected by the conflict can access temporary services to replace or get documents like limited-validity passports, emergency travel papers, citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents.
- The Canadian Government also has measures in place to Support Family Members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents Who Escaped Sudan after April 15, 2023, and arrived in Canada by July 15, 2023.
- People still living in Sudan wanting to leave the country will receive priority for processing their applications whether it be for permanent residence, proof of Canadian citizenship, or permanent resident travel documents.
According to the government of Canada website, approximately 8,900 Sudanese nationals had been granted permanent residence through these pathways and over 3,915 have been approved for temporary residence as of December 31, 2024.
Financial Aid and Humanitarian Assistance
Canada has remained consistent in providing humanitarian funding to support those still affected by the crisis in Sudan. In 2024, the Canadian government allocated over $100 million in humanitarian aid for Sudan and nearby regions to provide shelter and deliver emergency supplies to individuals impacted the most. Of this, $30 million was allocated to global organizations such as the Red Cross, the United Nations, and other non-governmental groups working directly in Sudan.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want clarity regarding your situation, we may be able to provide further guidance based on your circumstances. For urgent matters, immediate support and resources can be found on the official Government of Canada website.
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