Special Immigration Measures for Haitian Nationals in Canada

IRCC has implemented special measures for Haitian nationals in Canada in response to the ongoing crisis in Haiti, including gang violence, political instability, and humanitarian emergency. This resource summarizes current measures and available options.

This resource explains the special immigration measures currently available to Haitian nationals in Canada, including status extensions, fee waivers, open work permits, and any PRRA-related considerations in light of changed conditions in Haiti.

Haiti has faced a prolonged and severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread gang violence, political collapse, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Haitians. Canada has recognized the extraordinary circumstances faced by Haitian nationals and has implemented measures to stabilize the status of those already in Canada.

• IRCC has implemented or extended special measures for Haitian nationals on multiple occasions since 2022 in response to changing conditions in Haiti
• Current measures may include fee waivers for status extension applications, open work permit access, and exemptions from standard processing requirements — confirm current details on IRCC's official website
• Given the severity of conditions in Haiti, a PRRA for Haitian nationals may be eligible for expedited access or carry stronger grounds than in many other country contexts
• Haitian nationals who are in Canada without status, or who are approaching a removal date, should assess all available options immediately
• Haiti remains a country of serious concern for international human rights organizations — country condition documentation from credible sources supports protection claims