New PR Pathway for Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans

This proactive strategy seeks to address forced displacement and provide migrants with stable economic opportunities, thereby discouraging irregular migration.

In a significant development, Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting migrants in the Americas. The Honourable Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at welcoming 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere on humanitarian grounds. This proactive approach aims to address forced displacement and provide migrants with stable economic opportunities, intending to discourage irregular migration.

This comprehensive approach focuses on creating regular pathways for migration through humanitarian and economic avenues for permanent residency, along with temporary work programs. The Canadian government has already welcomed 4,000 temporary foreign workers from the Americas this year, and they are on track to meet this year’s target based on current trends.

Furthermore, Canada is partnering with non-governmental organizations in the region to implement the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. This pilot project is designed to facilitate the immigration of skilled refugees and other displaced individuals to Canada, offering them new opportunities and a better future.

How to apply?

Minister Miller announced that Canada will open its doors to an estimated 11,000 Colombians, Haitians, and Venezuelans through a groundbreaking humanitarian permanent residence pathway. This initiative, expected to begin this fall, is specifically aimed at foreign nationals from these countries who have family connections in Canada. Eligible principal applicants can be children (regardless of age), grandchildren, spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, or siblings of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

To ensure a smooth transition, successful applicants will receive enhanced pre-arrival services, including employment skills assessments and referrals to organizations that assist with settling into their intended Canadian communities. More detailed information about the new pathway will be available closer to its official launch.

Creating an Accessible Path to Seamless Integration

Canada is taking a comprehensive approach to this initiative, working closely with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to better understand the regional context and humanitarian needs related to migration in the Americas. Additionally, Canada supports the safe mobility offices in the region, which aim to consider individuals for humanitarian and other regular pathways.

In addition to its commitment to welcoming 15,000 migrants, Canada remains deeply involved in addressing migration and protection issues throughout the Americas. The country is determined to increase refugee resettlement from the Americas and actively supports the implementation of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, as well as the North American Leaders’ Summits.

To strengthen regional capacity and improve the integration of migrants and refugees into local communities and job markets, Canada is investing $75 million over six years in projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. These projects aim to bolster asylum capacity and improve the quality of life for migrants and refugees, both in their host countries and in the nations they are travelling from or through.

Addressing the Global Displacement Crisis

Minister Miller emphasized the urgency of addressing the global displacement crisis, recognizing that unprecedented numbers of migrants in the Americas are seeking safety and new opportunities, often facing dangerous journeys, such as crossing the perilous Darien Gap. By collaborating closely with the United States, Canada hopes that these measures will reduce irregular migration and promote safer alternatives to the perilous routes many migrants currently endure in the Americas.