Special Immigration Measures for Sudanese Nationals in Canada

IRCC's special measures for Sudanese nationals in Canada — introduced in April 2023 and extended to October 28, 2026 — provide fee waivers, open work permits, and flexible status options for those affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

This resource explains the current IRCC special measures available to Sudanese nationals and their eligible family members in Canada, including fee waivers, open work permits, study permit extensions, passport exemptions, and permanent residence pathways.

Since April 2023, Sudan has experienced severe armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, resulting in millions of displaced persons. IRCC has implemented special measures to provide stability and protection for Sudanese nationals lawfully present in Canada — and has committed to resettling additional Sudanese refugees from abroad.

• Special measures are extended to October 28, 2026 — Sudanese nationals can continue extending or changing their temporary status within Canada
• Work permits, study permits, status extensions, and biometric fees are all waived under the special measures (application code: SD2023)
• Open work permits are available to eligible Sudanese nationals without a job offer or LMIA
• Sudanese students in Canada can apply for or extend their study permits free of charge and are exempt from the PAL/TAL requirement
• Sudanese nationals who lost their passports in the conflict remain exempt from the passport requirement for permanent residence approval