Key Takeaways:
- Canada announced temporary measures to assist Haitians in Canada, enabling them to work, study, and stay with Canadian family members.
- From May 23, 2024, Haitians with valid status in Canada can apply for permits and extensions, receiving free health coverage.
- Measures, such as facilitated travel and humanitarian pathways, support approximately 44,000 Haitians in Canada, ensuring stable living conditions.
What Special Measures Has Canada Announced for Haitian Nationals?
Canada has introduced temporary measures to assist family members of Canadians who have left Haiti, as well as Haitian nationals already in Canada who are unable to return to Haiti. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the country’s concern for the people of Haiti, stating,
“We are deeply concerned for the well-being of people in Haiti. The measures announced today will make it easier for family members of Canadians who fled Haiti to stay in Canada with their families, and enable Haitian nationals to work and study in a safe environment.”
How Can Haitians Benefit From These Special Measures Starting May 23, 2024?
Starting from May 23, 2024, Haitians holding valid temporary resident status in Canada can apply for the following at no cost:
– A study permit
– An open work permit
– Status extension
These benefits also extend to foreign national family members, regardless of their nationality, who came to Canada as temporary residents through assisted departures from Haiti. Eligible individuals will additionally receive three months of Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage, ensuring their health needs are met during this transition.
Why Are These Measures Significant for Haitian Nationals in Canada?
Currently, approximately 44,000 Haitians hold temporary resident status in Canada. The new measures are vital as they provide a framework for these individuals to continue their lives in Canada under stable conditions. The Canadian authorities have also facilitated travel for Haitian nationals outside Canada who lost their passports due to the humanitarian crisis. These individuals can still travel to Canada without a passport once their Canada PR application is approved through the humanitarian pathway.
How Has Canada Assisted Haitians Leaving the Volatile Situation?
Canada completed assisted departures from Haiti that successfully transported 681 people, including:
– 435 Canadian citizens
– 111 Canadian permanent residents
– 135 temporary residents
By 2024, Canada had already processed numerous applications for Canadian PR, prioritizing humanitarian pathways for nationals from South or Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, including Haitians. Ottawa believes that amidst the increasingly volatile security situation in Haiti, these measures will help keep families together and provide a secure environment for studying, working, and living in Canada.
What Is Canada’s “Anchor” Family Member Policy?
The dedicated humanitarian pathway actively helps those in South or Central America, Mexico, or the Caribbean, who have a family member in Canada willing to support their application. The Canadian family member, known as the “anchor,” must provide a declaration expressing their intent to assist the applicant and their family members in Canada for a year. They must prove that they have not accepted any monetary compensation from the applicant or their family members.
What Are the Financial and Health Benefits for Approved Applicants?
If an application under the “anchor” policy is approved, several financial and health benefits are provided:
– Waived Right of Permanent Residence fee
– No application and biometric fees
– Coverage for pre-departure medical services to ensure the applicant’s health and safe travel to Canada
Once in Canada, applicants receive three months of financial assistance to help them settle. Free settlement services are available before and after their arrival to support their integration into Canadian society and the labor market. For details on these services, you can visit the official IRCC Immigration Measures page.
The temporary measures and ongoing humanitarian pathways signify Canada’s commitment to supporting Haitian nationals and other affected communities, ensuring they have safe, stable opportunities to study, work, and live in Canada.
By providing these supports, Canada aims to uphold its humanitarian values and strengthen the bonds of family and community in times of crisis. It is an important step toward fostering a secure and inclusive environment for vulnerable populations.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Temporary Resident Status: A legal status allowing foreign nationals to stay in Canada for a limited period. This status includes visitors, students, and workers who are authorized to temporarily reside in Canada.
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP): A program providing temporary and limited health care coverage to specific groups of people in Canada who do not qualify for provincial or territorial health insurance plans, such as refugees and certain protected persons.
Open Work Permit: A type of work permit that allows a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada without the need for a specific job offer at the time of application. It is typically issued to those who meet specific criteria, such as spouses of international students or temporary foreign workers.
Humanitarian Pathway: An immigration route designed to provide protection and relief to individuals fleeing disaster, conflict, or persecution. This pathway often prioritizes family reunification and offers expedited processes and support measures.
Anchor Family Member: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who supports an immigration application of a family member from abroad. This individual commits to providing essential assistance and a declaration that they have not received monetary compensation for their support.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Canada has announced temporary measures for Haitian nationals, allowing those with valid temporary resident status to apply for free study permits, open work permits, or status extensions from May 23, 2024. These measures aim to support Haitians unable to return home. Eligible Haitians also receive three months of health coverage.
— By VisaVerge.com
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