Conflict in Sudan - Temporary measures for foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Due to the armed conflict in Sudan, many Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and their foreign national family members have had to suddenly flee the country.

You can apply for a fee-exempt temporary residence document to travel to Canada if you meet the criteria below:

• You have a family member who’s a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and they left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
• You’re outside of Sudan.
• You left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.

Definition of family member

A family member is defined as a

• spouse or common-law partner(opens in a new tab) 
• dependent child(opens in a new tab)  (yours, your spouse’s or your common-law partner’s)
• dependent child of a dependent child (grandchild)

If you qualify for the temporary measures, you

• will have your application processed on a priority basis
• are exempt from paying application fees and biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics)
  • If you need other services, like getting a medical exam or using a visa application centre, you’ll need to pay fees for those services

If you arrive in Canada before July 15, 2023, you’ll also

• be eligible to apply for
  • an open work permit or study permit
  • permanent residence under the family class
• be exempt from paying application fees for the above

More information on how to apply from inside Canada will be available soon.

How to apply

We’re contacting family members who have been affected. However, if you meet the above criteria and we haven’t contacted you, let us know by using our web form.

When completing the web form, in the “Tell us about your situation” box

• describe your situation, including what you need help with
• add the keyword "SD2023" at the end of your description

After you submit a web form request, we’ll contact you with next steps.

Use our web form

Applications in progress from those living in Sudan

We’re processing complete temporary and permanent residence applications from those living in Sudan on a priority basis. If you have an application in progress, you don’t need to apply again.