441-01321 (Citizenship and immigration)

The Government of Canada is committed to helping those suffering in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. In addition to its regular immigration pathways, special measures have been introduced to facilitate the victims of this tragedy.

When responding to international crises, the Government of Canada tailors its immigration measures to the unique conditions of each event and the needs of the affected population. Although every situation is different, we are always guided by the same values and principles. We evaluate how Canada can best help by looking at what solutions are most appropriate, including waiving fees or requirements, as well as whether existing immigration and refugee programs are sufficient or if new ones are required.  We strive to balance our commitment to assist those in need, with upholding the security, safety, and well-being of Canadians.

On March 18, 2023, the Government announced a suite of immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian nationals, as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These include:

• Free extensions of temporary residence status for Turkish and Syrian nationals studying, working, or visiting family in Canada; 
• Access to open work permits for Turkish and Syrian nationals already in Canada; 
• Priority processing of temporary residence, permanent residence, and refugee resettlement applications from persons in the affected regions, including for family members; 
• Waiving travel document requirements for permanent resident visas, as some permanent residence applicants may have lost their passports as a result of the earthquakes; and, 
• Waiving fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents in their return to Canada from the affected area.

These facilitation measures for Turkiye and Syria are consistent with Canada’s response to other urgent humanitarian situations, including recently announced measures for nationals of Iran. 

Family member is defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations under provision 1(3), and includes a spouse or common-law partner, a dependent child, or a dependent child of a dependent child. This definition is generally used in context where an applicant is seeking to bring dependents under a temporary or permanent resident program. In addition, the Government of Canada has a generous family reunification program that uses a broader definition of who is a family member under our sponsorship program. These pathways allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor, as permanent residents, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children (including adopted children), and other relatives in specific circumstances (for example, orphaned relatives under the age of 18 or a relative of any relation to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident provided the sponsor has no sponsorable relatives). As such, a sibling can come to Canada as an accompanying dependent child when sponsoring a parent, or under the “other relative” category.  Alternatively, applications for permanent residence can also be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its support for the Turkish and Syrian people during this difficult time. While we are not currently looking at broadening the definition of family member or introducing additional exceptional waivers at this time, such as the proposed further exemptions from temporary residence (fees, biometrics) or permanent residence (sponsorship) requirements in this petition, we continue to monitor the situation and the outcomes of the special measures that are now in place.