Afghan Immigration Pathways to Canada in 2026: What Is Still Open?

Afghan nationals and families asking whether they can still come to Canada face a complex landscape in 2026. Some special measures have ended. Others remain. This resource maps every pathway that is currently open — from refugee resettlement to family sponsorship to skilled immigration.

This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the immigration pathways available to Afghan nationals in 2026, following the expiry of several COVID-era and post-2021 special measures. It covers refugee resettlement through UNHCR referrals and private sponsorship, inland refugee claims, family class sponsorship, Express Entry and economic immigration, Temporary Resident Permits, and temporary public policies that remain active. It also explains which pathways have ended and what that means practically.

The landscape for Afghan immigration to Canada has changed significantly since August 2021. Special temporary public policies that were introduced in response to the fall of Kabul have largely wound down. At the same time, standard immigration pathways remain available. Afghans inside and outside Canada — and Canadian residents trying to help family members — need accurate, current information to identify which pathways apply to their situation. Pursuing the wrong pathway or waiting for a program that has ended can result in lost time and serious consequences.

• Refugee resettlement (Government-Assisted Refugees and Privately Sponsored Refugees) remains open — Afghans abroad can be referred by UNHCR or sponsored by approved Canadian organizations, but the process is lengthy and selective
• Inland refugee claims in Canada: Afghans who reach Canada can file a refugee claim within one year of arrival (Bill C-12 deadline) — claims are heard by the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board
• Family class sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible Afghan spouses, dependent children, parents, and grandparents — standard eligibility rules apply with no Afghan-specific restrictions
• One-Year Window of Opportunity: resettled Afghan refugees who arrived in Canada with their principal application may be able to sponsor family members who could not accompany them, within one year of landing
• Express Entry: Afghans with skilled work experience, Canadian education, or a valid job offer can create an Express Entry profile — country of nationality does not make someone ineligible, but security clearance and documentary requirements apply