On December 14, 2020, IRCC will begin to accept applications for permanent residency from refugee claimants who worked in Canada’s health-care sector and provided direct care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

On August 14, 2020, the Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced this policy that recognizes the significant contribution and risk to their health that failed and pending refugee claimants have made during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program also benefits the families of refugee claimants who may have contracted COVID-19 and passed away while working in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These public policies recognizes the significant contribution of failed and pending refugee claimants in Canada who have risked their lives providing patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Two temporary public policies have been created by IRCC. The first policy is for failed or pending refugee claimants living in Canada outside Quebec and the other is for failed or pending refugee claimants currently living in Quebec.

From December 14, 2020 until August 31, 2021, IRCC will accept new applications for these new programs. During this time, family members of the applicant who are living in Canada can be included on the application. All applicants will be assessed to ensure they meet the existing admissibility requirements including those related to security, health, and criminality. 

The Refugee Protection Division and the Refugee Appeal Division have issued a Practice Notice for claimants who have submitted applications through one of these new public policies. The Refugee Protection Division and the Refugee Appeal Division will put a claim or appeal on hold pending the outcome of an application made through one of the new public policies.

Lawyers at MKS Immigration Law can provide more information and answer any questions failed or pending refugee claimants working in healthcare may have about this program or any of the other measures available to achieve permanent residency in Canada. 

You can book a consultation with a lawyer at MKS Immigration Law by filling out this form.