Canada’s response to the situation in Afghanistan

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Welcomed
in Canada:
38,640
Afghan refugees who have arrived in Canada, under all streams, since August 2021
Video: Welcoming Afghans to Canada
Get more photos and videos from the journey.
What we’re doing
The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan refugees in Canada as quickly and safely as possible. We developed several special programs and measures that reflect the long and enduring relationship we have with Afghans, and to protect some of the most vulnerable groups in Afghanistan.
Through our special programs, we’ll bring to safety
- [New] eligible Afghans through the permanent residence pathway for extended family members of former language and cultural advisors
- 5,000 Afghans through the permanent residence pathway for extended family members of former interpreters
- 18,000 Afghans through the Special Immigration Measures Program for Afghan nationals who closely assisted our efforts in Afghanistan
- a mix of government-assisted and privately sponsored Afghan refugees through the humanitarian program
- This includes groups of five and community sponsors sponsoring Afghan refugees without having to submit a refugee status determination document.
We’ll continue to explore other options and pathways to bring Afghans to Canada, such as the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

Afghan resettlement programs
Learn about our special programs to resettle vulnerable Afghans to Canada

Special measures for Afghan applications
Learn about the special measures in place to support Afghans in Canada and abroad

Help for Canadians in Afghanistan
Supports available for Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently in Afghanistan

Authorization regime for Canadians wanting to help in Afghanistan
Learn about recent legislative changes that allow Canadians and Canadian organizations to help people in Afghanistan
Our commitment
We’re proud to be among the first countries to launch a humanitarian resettlement program for Afghan refugees, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Our commitment is one of the largest in the world, but we’re determined to do more to help vulnerable Afghans.
Information for Afghans in Canada
Communities welcoming Afghans
Learn more about life in Canadian communities welcoming Afghans.
Find free newcomer services near you
Find friendly and experienced settlement professionals who can help you feel at home in Canada.
How our refugee system works
To welcome Afghan refugees, and help them adjust to life here in Canada, we’re working closely with
- provinces and territories
- settlement service providers
- private sponsors and stakeholders
Afghan refugees arrive in Canada as government-assisted or privately sponsored refugees. Learn more about how Canada’s refugee system works.
Get involved

There are different ways Canadians can help. Find out how to volunteer, donate or sponsor an Afghan refugee.
The situation in Afghanistan

International cooperation
Find out how Canada is working with international partners to support Afghans

Canadian Armed Forces operation
Find out how the Canadian Armed Forces contributed to the evacuations
Government of Canada news
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