• 3 March 2024

Canada’s Novel Humanitarian Route for Conflict-Affected Sudanese

Canada supports and stands in solidarity with the Sudanese people while the violence in their country rages on, providing a lifeline and assistance to those who are impacted. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is preparing to introduce a ground-breaking humanitarian option for Sudanese nationals with family ties in Canada in an attempt to offer refuge and reconnect families torn apart by the crisis. Humanitarian intervention is desperately needed in Sudan as a result of the severe suffering and displacement caused by the conflict, which broke out on April 15, 2023. Acknowledging the grave circumstances that Sudanese nationals and their families are facing, Canada is acting proactively to provide support and safety to individuals in need.

Beginning on February 27, 2024, the family-based permanent residence pathway will offer a lifeline to people and families impacted by the crisis in Sudan. Up to 3,250 applications under this program will be accepted from anyone who fit the following requirements:

• Residency in Sudan during the onset of the conflict on April 15, 2023. 
•  Relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident residing in Canada, including children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or siblings. 
• Agreement from the family member in Canada to provide support and assistance in the resettlement process.

The opening of this route is a ray of hope for citizens of Sudan who are suffering from the terrible effects of the fighting. The program gives a lifeline to people in dire need of safety and sanctuary by giving them a realistic path towards family reunion and permanent residence in Canada. Canada is steadfast in its commitment to providing humanitarian aid and resettling refugees. Canada continues to lead the globe in promoting compassion, inclusion, and solidarity with disadvantaged groups through programs like the pathway for family-based permanent residence. 

In addition to facilitating reunification, the family-based permanent residency pathway gives Canadian citizens and permanent residents the ability to help their loved ones through these trying times. Through providing aid to their relatives in Sudan, Canadians are essential in restoring lives and cultivating perseverance in the face of hardship. 

For questions about eligibility of application, the information below is provided. This information is taken from 

(https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/sudan2023/pr-pathway /eligibility.html), an authentic source.

Who can submit an application 

To be eligible to apply, you must 

• 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

You can apply if your spouse or common-law partner 

• is missing, presumed dead, deceased or can’t leave Sudan
• is the child, grandchild, parent, grandparent or sibling of an eligible anchor willing to support you
• you meet the rest of the eligibility criteria above

Who can be an anchor 

An “anchor” is an extended family member who agrees to support you for your first year in Canada. 

Your anchor must 

Be 18 or older 

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 

Live in Canada (but outside the province of Quebec) 

Prove they have enough income or funds to meet the financial requirement They must not be 

In the process of applying to revoke their Canadian citizenship 

In jail or prison 

Subject to a removal order in Canada 

In default of making a payment on an immigration loan, a performance bond or any other amount they have legally agreed to pay (and have not arranged to defer payments) to the Government of Canada 

In default of a sponsorship undertaking, support payments or repaying any debt owed to the Government of Canada 

An undischarged bankrupt 

Getting social assistance for a reason other than disability 

Convicted of a criminal offence listed in the public policy

What an anchor does 

Your anchor must agree to support you for 1 year to help you settle and integrate. This includes providing financial support for basic needs, including housing, food, clothing and other basic necessities of life. 

They need to show they have enough income or funds to support you financially based on the financial requirements. 

They must sign an official document, called a statutory declaration, stating they promise to 

• meet you at the airport and get you to where you’re staying
• help you find temporary housing
• help you find permanent housing
• make sure you have food, clothes and other basic needs
• introduce you to life in Canada (for example, public transportation, banking, shopping, rights and responsibilities, etc.)
• help you

? Translate information 

? Open a bank account 

? Enrol in provincial and federal programs and benefits (for example, social insurance number, parental benefits, public health insurance) 

? Find a family doctor, a dentist or an eye care specialist and arrange any other medical needs 

? Enrol children in school or a child care program 

? Enrol adults in language training 

? Access support services to find a job 

? Access service provider organizations to access free settlement services once in Canada 

Anchors must also state that they won’t accept money or other payment from you in exchange for being your anchor. 

How we’ll support you 

If we approve your application, we’ll: 

• waive the Right of Permanent Residence Fee and and biometric fees ? give you free settlement services, before and after you arrive, to help you join Canadian society and the labour force

As Canada is ready to open this humanitarian route, there is hope for Sudanese people who have been driven from their homes due to violence. Canada reiterates its commitment to helping those in need and giving asylum to those escaping violence and persecution by establishing a path to permanent residence and family reunion. 

By working together, we can create a more compassionate, empathetic, and united future for everybody.