Canada’s New Pathway Program to Assist Families of Afghanistan Interpreters

The Canadian federal government has revealed a “new pathway” for the extended family members of Afghan interpreters to arrive in Canada and settle with them.

Canada plans to welcome 40,000 Afghan refugees who are fleeing violent pressure from the Taliban mainly due to their association with Canadian soldiers during the Afghanistan War.

The violence in Afghanistan has been at an all-time high since the Taliban took over the nation’s capital in August 2021.  Afghanistan interpreters assisted NATO troops during the war, and in an effort to assist these brave people and their families, the Canadian government has introduced this new avenue. 

It is estimated that 1,700 Afghanistan interpreters and other nationals with the proper documentation to leave the country are hiding in safe houses while they await decampment.   

The federal government wrote in Wednesday’s announcement: “While some of their extended family members may have come to Canada through existing programs over the years, others have not and may now be in a precarious position as a result of their relationship to the interpreters”.

The Pathway to Freedom 

This temporary public policy creates an avenue to permanent residence for extended family members of former Afghan interpreters who migrated to Canada under the 2009 and 2012 public policies.

Under the new program to assist Afghanistan Interpreters and their families, applicants will be eligible for entry into Canada provided they:

• Are a citizen of Afghanistan.
• Are residing outside of Canada at the time of the application.
• Were living in Afghanistan on or after July 22.
• Must be a child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling of someone who has already been granted permanent residency in Canada.
• Can provide a “statutory declaration” from their family member already in Canada.
• Are able to provide identification. 
• Have filled out the online forms for entry.

If the family member cannot present travel or identity documentation, the Afghanistan refugee that’s already residing in Canada can testify for them via another statutory declaration.

In October 2021, the federal government silently changed the stipulations of this secondary special program to welcome vulnerable Afghanistan nationals to only allow refugees outside of Afghanistan at the time of applying.

The application process for this new pathway will open on Dec. 9, 2021 and the government is encouraging applicants to begin the process now. If you want to begin the process but have questions or are seeking legal advice, an immigration law firm like MKS is a good place to start. 

MKS Immigration Lawyers specializes in citizenship and immigration law. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, they are one of the top recognized immigration law boutiques in Canada.  MKS provides legal advice to people from all walks of life and assists them in their journey to become a Canadian citizen.  With their in-depth knowledge of the inner workings of immigration law and policy, MKS is there from the beginning to the end of the process. 

To book a consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, click here.