Temporary public policy for foreign nationals being airlifted from Afghanistan

Date Announced:

August 25, 2022

Overview:

The intention of this public policy, in light of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and evolving operational reality, is to exempt eligible foreign nationals from the requirement to pay the applicable Temporary Resident Permit processing fees and fees for the provision of services in relation to the collection of biometric information. Such granting of exemption would facilitate the issuance, to these foreign nationals, of Temporary Resident Permits that could be issued pursuant to section 24 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

It is intended that the fee waivers would apply when it is possible to issue such Temporary Resident Permits prior to arrival in Canada, or where they are issued at the port of entry. The fee waiver will apply for up to 5000 people being evacuated by the Government of Canada as part of the current allied evacuation effort.

It is also intended that Temporary Resident Permits issued prior to arrival, or at the port of entry, would provide foreign nationals with a method to overcome certain requirements, such as the requirement to hold a travel document as per section 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR). All other screening and admissibility requirements remain applicable and remain subject to officer discretion.

Pursuant to section 10.01 of IRPA and section 12.1 of IRPR, the biometrics collection requirement is mandatory for most foreign nationals making a claim, application or request under the Act.

Departments and Agencies:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Type of Administrative Action:

  • Immigration pathways and pilots
  • New programs

    • Immigration Category:

    Refugees

    Keywords:

    Afghanistan; biometric information; processing fees; Temporary Resident Permits

    Source Document(s):

    https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/foreign-nationals-airlifted-afghanistan.html

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