Month: August 2021

General Information on Afghan Refugee Situation

This is very general information, to give you guidance on what questions to ask when you are able to speak to legal counsel. It will be updated, but is presently current to August 19, 2021.

In this information, “you” is the person who wants to come to Canada.

If you are an Afghan citizen in Canada

  • If you are here as a visitor or have not already done so in the past, you may wish to consider making a refugee claim in Canada
  • If you have already made a refugee claim and been refused, your situation may be reconsidered in a humanitarian and compassionate application or pre-removal risk assessment, depending on the timing and your personal circumstances
  • However, if you are here on a study permit or work permit, you may be eligible to apply under one of the economic categories, and should speak to counsel about this

If you are an Afghan citizen in a third country

  • You may be eligible to be resettled in Canada as a refugee or a member of the country of asylum class
  • At this time, the only special program is for Afghan citizens or their family members whose past “employment involved a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada”

If you are an Afghan citizen in Afghanistan

  • At this time, the only special program is for Afghan citizens or their family members whose past “employment involved a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada”
  • Family sponsorships, applications for temporary resident permits, and applications for temporary residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are also possibilities, but this depends on the specific situation