Between 2019 and 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 594 temporary resident permits to victims of family violence (FV TRP).
The majority of FV TRPs are issued to females (approximately 83%) and to individuals between the ages of 31 and 40 (approximately 39%). In 2023, approximately 15% of FV TRPs were issued to individuals from Mexico and 15% from India.
The current approval rate for the FV TRP is 75% and current processing time is 44 days (as of 2023).Footnote 1
Key Messages
The Government of Canada recognizes the increased vulnerability of victims of family violence who are out-of-status and dependent on their abusive spouse/partner for their status (e.g., a spouse being sponsored under the Family Reunification Program that has not yet received their permanent resident status as the file is being processed). IRCC is committed to supporting foreign nationals in Canada who are in situations of family violence in finding safety.
IRCC officers may issue a fee-exempt temporary resident permit to out-of-status foreign nationals and their dependents experiencing family violence. The FV TRP is a protection measure for individuals who are out-of-status, physically located in Canada, and are currently seeking permanent residence that is dependent on remaining with an abusive spouse/partner. The FV TRP allows access to an open work permit or study permit, as well as healthcare coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program, including medical and psychological services and prescription drug coverage.
The FV TRP provides protection through the security of short-term temporary resident status to help applicants escape the influence of abuse and allow them to decide their next course of action.
Supplementary Information
Due to the urgent nature of family violence cases and the vulnerability of the client, local IRCC offices prioritize the processing of FV TRP applications. Officers assess evidence on a case-by-case basis depending on what is put forward by the client; there are no specific criteria. Evidence could include, but is not limited to, court documents, letters from women’s shelters or domestic abuse support organizations, police reports, affidavits from witnesses (friends, family members, neighbors, law enforcement), and hard copies of emails and text messages.
Cases in which the foreign national is identified by Canada Border Services Agency or another federal or provincial partner as a victim of family violence should be referred to the responsible IRCC local office on an urgent basis, using an established point of contact.
