Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Measures for Haitian nationals / passport holders and family members in Canada

These measures have been extended

The temporary immigration measures have been extended until November 19, 2025.

Due to the crisis in Haiti, temporary measures are in place for

Find out which temporary measures you may be eligible for below.

Definition of family member

A family member is defined as a

Haitian nationals and passport holders or family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Haiti on or after March 1, 2024, and arrived in Canada on or before April 26, 2024

You can apply for any of these from inside Canada:

  • open work permit (new or extension)
  • study permit (new or extension)
  • visitor record (to extend your status as a visitor)
  • temporary resident permit, if you already have one

You’re also exempt from paying the following fees:

  • work permit fee
  • open work permit holder fee
  • study permit fee
  • visitor record fee
  • temporary resident permit fee

You may also be eligible for

Haitian nationals with existing permanent resident applications in progress

You may not have to give us travel documents if you

  • are an Haitian national
  • currently live outside of Canada
  • have applied to immigrate to Canada
  • are ready to be approved for a permanent resident visa to come to Canada, but are unable to obtain a passport or travel document

This means if you lost your passport because of the situation in Haiti, we may allow you to travel to Canada without one. You’ll have to explain why you aren’t able to provide your passport.

If we approve your application, we may issue you a single journey travel document you can use to come to Canada.

What would you like to apply for?

You chose open work permit

If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit.

Deadline : Submit your application on or before

November 19, 2025

Who can apply

To apply under the temporary measures, you must

  • be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
    • you apply
    • a decision is made on your application
  • meet eligibility and admissibility requirements

Eligibility and admissibility for an open work permit

To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must

  • obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
  • not be a danger to Canada’s security
  • be in good health and get a medical exam(if we ask you to)
  • not plan to work for an employer listed as “ineligible” on the list of employers who didn’t comply with the conditions
  • not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance or escort services, or erotic massages on a regular basis
  • prove you have enough money to pay for
    • living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
    • transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
  • prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay

How to apply

You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.

If you can’t apply online

You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:

  • You can’t apply online because of a disability.
  • There’s a barrier that
    • prevents you from applying online or
    • makes applying online unreliable

Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.

Complete all required fields in the form and include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Step 1: Get your documents ready

Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.

Tips to help complete the forms:

Forms:

If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a work permit in Canada (opens in a new tab) :

When you fill out the work permit application form (IMM 5710):

  • In the Details of Intended work in Canada section, choose “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
  • You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.

Supporting documents:

Include copies of these documents:

  • the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document (if you have one)
  • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures”
  • if you’re a family member of a Haitian national: proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example:
    • a marriage certificate
    • proof of a common-law relationship
    • birth certificates for children

Step 2: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

  • submit your application forms
  • check your status

Create an account or sign in (opens in a new tab) 

Step 3. Start your online application

Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
  2. Click Apply to come to Canada.
  3. On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
  4. Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.

Step 4: Complete the online questions to get your document checklist

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.

When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:

  • Answer “Work” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
  • Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?

  • Answer “yes” when asked:

    Does one of the following apply to you?

    • I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
    • Before entering Canada, I applied for a study or work permit that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
    • I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
    • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
    • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution and I have visitor status in Canada.
    • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
      • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
      • humanitarian and compassionate cases
      • protected persons in Canada
      • live-in caregiver in Canada
  • When you get your results, choose “Open Work Permit.”
  • Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application.” to the question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?

Step 5: Upload your forms and supporting documents

Forms

Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms you need to upload.

Supporting documents

Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.

  • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
  • Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures.”

If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document(opens in a new tab) 

After you apply

Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.

Medical exam

You might need to get a medical exam if you

  • plan to study in certain programs
  • plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months

If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.

Find more information about medical exams.

If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that lets a temporary resident stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision. You must keep meeting the conditions in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail the work permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The work permit will outline

  • the type of work you can do
  • how long you can work

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form(opens in a new tab) :

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

You chose study permit

If you meet all requirements, you can apply for a study permit that will be valid for the length of your study program.

The length of your study permit is also directly tied to the expiry of

  • the passport (or other travel document) that you used to come to Canada
  • your biometrics

They must both be valid for the entire time you’re in Canada.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

November 19, 2025

Who can apply

To apply under the temporary measures, you must

  • be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
    • you apply
    • a decision is made on your application
  • meet eligibility and admissibility requirements

If you don’t already have a work, study or temporary resident permit, you’re subject to the new yearly cap on study permit applications. This means if we hit the cap before your application is approved, you won’t be able to get a study permit that year.

Studying in Canada as a minor child

Minor children may be able to study in Canada without a study permit but can still apply for one if they like. Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor.

Eligibility and admissibility requirements for a study permit

To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must

  • be enrolled at a DLI
  • provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study, unless you meet one of the exceptions.
  • prove you have enough money to pay for
    • your tuition fees
    • living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
    • transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
  • obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
  • be in good health and get a medical exam (if we ask you to)
  • prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay

How to apply

You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.

If you can’t apply online

You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:

  • You can’t apply online because of a disability.
  • There’s a barrier that
    • prevents you from applying online or
    • makes applying online unreliable

Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.

Complete all required fields in the form and include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Step 1: Get your documents ready

Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.

Tips to help complete the forms:

Forms:

If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a study permit in Canada (opens in a new tab)  :

Supporting documents:

Include copies of these documents:

  • the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document if you have one
  • a letter of acceptance(opens in a new tab)  from the school that you’ll attend
  • proof of financial support(opens in a new tab) 
  • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures”
  • if you’re a family member of a Haitian national: proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example:
    • a marriage certificate
    • proof of a common-law relationship
    • birth certificates for children
You may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate if you want to study in Quebec

If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Government of Quebec. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ.

Find out about the process and the documents you need(opens in a new tab)  for studying in Quebec.

Step 2: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

  • submit your application forms
  • check your status

Create an account or sign in (opens in a new tab) 

Step 3. Start your online application

Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
  2. Click Apply to come to Canada.
  3. On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
  4. Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.

Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.

When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:

  • Answer “Study” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
  • Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?
  • Answer “yes” when asked:

    Does one of the following apply to you?

    • I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
    • Before entering Canada, I applied for a study or work permit that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
    • I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
    • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
    • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution and I have visitor status in Canada.
    • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
      • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
      • humanitarian and compassionate cases
      • protected persons in Canada
      • live-in caregiver in Canada
    • When you get your results, choose “Study Permit (in Canada).”

    Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application.” to the question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?

Step 5: Upload your forms and supporting documents

Forms

Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.

Supporting documents

Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.

  • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
  • Under “Proof of means of financial support,” upload documents to prove that you can support yourself and the family members who came with you to Canada.
  • Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures.”

If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document.(opens in a new tab) 

After you apply

Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.

Medical exam

You might need to get a medical exam if you

  • plan to study in certain programs
  • plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months

If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.

Find more information about medical exams.

If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that lets a temporary resident stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision. You must keep meeting the conditions in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail the study permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The study permit will outline all the conditions of your stay.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.

Your responsibilities while studying in Canada

  • whether you’re allowed to work in Canada
  • whether you’re allowed to travel within Canada
  • the specific date you must leave Canada
  • the specific date you must leave Canada
  • where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
    • You must change your DLI in your IRCC secure account before you can study at a different DLI.
  • whether you need an immigration medical exam

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab)  :

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

You chose visitor record

If you meet all requirements, you can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay as a visitor.

Deadline : Submit your application on or before
November 19, 2025

Who can apply

To apply under the temporary measures, you must

  • be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
    • you apply
    • a decision is made on your application

How to apply

You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.

If you can’t apply online

You can apply on paper if you meet one of these exemptions:

  • You can’t apply online because of a disability.
  • There’s a barrier that
    • prevents you from applying online or
    • makes applying online unreliable

Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.

Complete all required fields in the form and include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Step 1: Get your documents ready

Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.

Tips to help complete the forms:

Forms:

If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a visitor record(opens in a new tab) :

Supporting documents:

Include copies of these documents:

  • the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document if you have one
  • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures”

Step 2: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

  • submit your application forms
  • check your status

Create an account or sign in (opens in a new tab) 

Step 3. Start your online application

Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
  2. Click Apply to come to Canada.
  3. On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
  4. Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.

Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.

When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:

  • Answer “Visit” when asked: What would you like to do in Canada?
  • Answer “Canada” when asked: What is your current country/territory of residence?
  • When you get your results, choose “Visitor record.”
  • Answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application” to this question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?

Step 5: Upload your forms and supporting documents

Forms

Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.

Supporting documents

Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.

  • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
  • Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the HTI2024 special measures.”

If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document(opens in a new tab) 

After you apply

Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.

Medical exam

You might need to get a medical exam if you plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months

If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.

Find more information about medical exams.

If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that lets a temporary resident stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail your visitor record to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form(opens in a new tab) 

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit

Deadline : Submit your application on or before

November 19, 2025

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if you

  • are an Haitian national with a valid Haitian passport,
  • have a valid temporary resident permit in Canada

You’ll also get priority processing on your application.

Apply on paper

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
    • If you are applying as a family, send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre address in Edmonton in one envelope.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

    Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
    Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
    9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
    Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write your name and address at the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
  • Write “HTI2024” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.
  • Have the post office weigh your envelope to ensure you put sufficient postage on it.
  • Mail the envelope.

If your current temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop working until we issue you

  • a new temporary resident permit
  • a work permit that authorizes you to work

If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information

Get help to download, save and open a form(opens in a new tab) .

Send us a web form(opens in a new tab) .

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit and a work permit

Deadline : Submit your application on or before

November 19, 2025

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if you

  • are an Haitian national with a valid Haitian passport,
  • have a valid temporary resident permit in Canada

You’ll also get priority processing on your application.

Apply on paper

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
    • If you are applying as a family, send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre address in Edmonton in one envelope.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

    Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
    Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
    9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
    Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write your name and address at the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
  • Write “HTI2024” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.
  • Have the post office weigh your envelope to ensure you put sufficient postage on it.
  • Mail the envelope.

If your current temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop working until we issue you

  • a new temporary resident permit
  • a work permit that authorizes you to work

If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information

Get help to download, save and open a form(opens in a new tab) .

Send us a web form(opens in a new tab) .

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Apply on paper for a new temporary resident permit and a study permit

Deadline : Submit your application on or before

November 19, 2025

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if you

  • are an Haitian national with a valid Haitian passport,
  • have a valid temporary resident permit in Canada

You’ll also get priority processing on your application.

Apply on paper

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
    • If you are applying as a family, send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre address in Edmonton in one envelope.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

    Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
    Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
    9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
    Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write your name and address at the top left-hand corner of the envelope.
  • Write “HTI2024” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.
  • Have the post office weigh your envelope to ensure you put sufficient postage on it.
  • Mail the envelope.

If your current temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop studying until we issue you

  • a new temporary resident permit
  • a study permit that authorizes you to study

If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information

Get help to download, save and open a form(opens in a new tab) .

Send us a web form(opens in a new tab) .

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “HTI2024” in the text box.

Page details

Date modified: