2023 May 4

Ottawa—Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace.

We are deeply concerned for the safety of people in the area, including families of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been forced to flee their homes.

Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the Government of Canada will waive temporary residence application fees for foreign nationals who fled Sudan with their Canadian family members.

Foreign nationals who fled Sudan with their Canadian family members—including Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents—will be able to apply for temporary residence without paying the processing fee. Once they have arrived in Canada, they will be able to apply for an open work permit or study permit, and permanent residence under the family class, all free of charge. More information on how to apply is available online.

These actions build on immigration measures in place to support Sudanese temporary residents already in Canada. We are also processing completed temporary and permanent residence applications from those living in Sudan on a priority basis, and waiving fees on passports and other travel documents for Canadians and permanent residents in the area.