Afghans Who Assisted the Government of Canada: Who Qualifies and How Fraud Happens

Canada has a special immigration pathway for Afghan nationals who directly assisted the Canadian government — including military interpreters, locally engaged staff, and journalists. This resource explains who actually qualifies, how to apply safely, and how to spot fraud targeting this community.

This resource explains the Afghan Immigration Program (AIP), which Canada established to resettle Afghan nationals who directly supported Canada's mission in Afghanistan — including locally engaged staff at the Canadian Embassy, interpreters employed by the Canadian Armed Forces, and other individuals who provided direct assistance to Canada. It explains the eligibility criteria, the referral and application process, what documentation is required, and the serious fraud targeting people who believe they are on a government 'list' when no such public list exists.

Thousands of Afghans served alongside Canadian soldiers, diplomats, and development workers and face ongoing risk as a result. Canada's moral and legal commitment to these individuals has been expressed through the Afghan Immigration Program. However, the program has strict eligibility criteria — not every Afghan who interacted with Canada in any capacity qualifies. Additionally, fraud is rampant in this space: fraudulent lists, fake 'case managers,' and false promises of resettlement have victimized many vulnerable Afghans. Understanding who actually qualifies — and how real resettlement works — is essential.

• The Afghan Immigration Program (AIP) was established by IRCC and requires that applicants have worked directly for the Government of Canada — not simply in proximity to Canadian forces or organizations
• Eligible categories under published IRCC guidance include: CAF-engaged interpreters and support staff, Canadian Embassy locally engaged staff, Canadian government project staff and co-implementers, and certain journalists and human rights defenders
• There is no public list of approved or eligible individuals — anyone who claims to have your name on an official Canadian government list and asks for money or personal information is likely a fraudster
• The Government of Canada contacts eligible individuals through official channels — IRCC does not use WhatsApp groups, Facebook, or third-party brokers to notify applicants
• Applications under the AIP are not filed through the standard IRCC online portal by applicants — the program operates through referrals and direct outreach by Canadian government officials