Starting May 23, 2024, Haitians with valid temporary resident status in Canada can apply for a study permit, open work permit, or status extension at no cost.

The Government of Canada has announced temporary measures to support family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have left Haiti, as well as Haitian nationals already in Canada who are currently unable to return home due to the volatile security situation in Haiti. This also includes foreign national family members who arrived as temporary residents through assisted departures out of Haiti. In addition, three months of Interim Federal Health Program coverage will be available to those who are eligible. These measures aim to keep families together and provide a safe environment for Haitian nationals in Canada to study, work, and stay.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, expressed deep concern for the well-being of people in Haiti and emphasized that the measures announced 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.

Canada had completed assisted departures from Haiti, successfully transporting 681 people, including 435 Canadian citizens, 111 permanent residents, and 135 temporary residents to safety. There are approximately 44,000 Haitian nationals with valid temporary resident status in Canada, and Canada continues to process applications under the dedicated humanitarian pathway to provide permanent residence to Colombian, Haitian, and Venezuelan foreign nationals on a priority basis.

More information about eligibility and how to apply for the temporary measures is available on IRCC’s website. 

Source: Canada.ca