Special Measures for People in Crisis: Canada’s Immigration Response to Situations Abroad

When conflict, natural disasters, or humanitarian crises strike countries around the world, Canada has put in place special immigration measures to help affected individuals safely enter, stay, or transition in Canada. These measures go beyond normal immigration rules to respond to emergencies and protect vulnerable populations.

What Are These Special Measures?

These are temporary, exceptional immigration tools designed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address urgent needs in crisis settings. They often include:

• Facilitated visa access or temporary resident status for people fleeing violence or disasters.
• Open work permits or study permits issued under special policy frameworks.
• Waivers or fee exemptions for immigration or citizenship applications for those impacted.
• Priority processing and flexibility in application rules (for example, relaxing deadlines) depending on the crisis.

These measures apply to people impacted abroad (e.g. from conflict zones) and sometimes to those already in Canada whose status is threatened by external crises.

Current Special Measures:

1. Gaza and the West Bank
2. Haiti
3. Sudan
4. Iran
5. Ukraine
6. Afghanistan

Who Can Benefit?

The eligibility depends heavily on the specific crisis and measure in place, but generally:

• People who are forced to flee their country because of conflict, persecution, or disaster.
• Extended family members of Canadians or permanent residents affected by crisis zones.
• Individuals already in Canada whose status may be vulnerable due to a crisis abroad.
• Applicants who can meet minimal admissibility (health, security, etc.) but would benefit from relaxed immigration rules under crisis conditions.

Because each measure is unique, documentation, proof of crisis connection, and timelines may vary.