Canada introduced recently a family-based humanitarian immigration program for citizens of Venezuela, Colombia and Haiti, announced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in October 2023.

This program will have a cap limit of 11,000 eligible candidates and will be processed on a first-in/first-out basis, meaning, by order in which applications are received until the limit is reached.

 

“Global displacement of people in search of safety is at an all-time high. The Americas are seeing unprecedented numbers of migrants seeking safe haven and new opportunities, in often dangerous situations such as crossing the Darien Gap. Working closely with the US, we expect to see these measures help curb irregular migration and promote safe migration as an alternative to the often dangerous irregular routes in the Americas.”

 The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Ottawa. October 10, 2023.

Eligibility for Immigration Program for Venezuelans, Colombians and Haitians

Interested persons who want to apply under this pathway will need to meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of Venezuela, Colombia or Haiti.
• Have a valid passport or travel document.
• Be in Mexico, Central or South America or the Caribbean when the application is submitted.
• Not be inadmissible to Canada.
• Have an eligible family member who is a Canadian citizen or a  permanent resident willing to become an Anchor (see details below).
• Plan to live in a province or territory outside Quebec.

This program does not have education, language, work experience or settlement funds requirements like other immigration categories.

This application is done online; however if the applicant(s) require other accommodations to apply, they should contact IRCC for alternative formats.

Who can be an Anchor?

The person who wishes to become an Anchor must:

• Be 18 or older.
• Be living in Canada outside of the province of Quebec.
• Be one of the following family members: spouse or common-law partner, a child (of any age), grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling.
• Provide a statutory declaration* confirming their support, at no charge, to the applicant and their accompanying family members to help in their settlement in Canada for a period of 1 year.

What does an Anchor do?

Once the family member in Canada determines they are eligible and want to become an Anchor, they need to help with settlement and integration of the newly arrived resident. In detail, they must sign an official document stating they promise to:

• Meet and pick-up the applicants at the airport and take them to their place of stay.
• Provide temporary housing and help find permanent one.
• Ensure they provide food, clothes and other basic needs.
• Introduce the applicants to life in Canada by educating, guiding and assisting in aspects such as rights and responsibilities, public transportation, banking, grocery and other shopping, etc.
• Not Accept money or other payment from the applicants in exchange for being the Anchor.

This declaration will also state that the Anchor will help the applicants with:

• Interpretation of information.
• Enrolling children in school or child care.
• Registering adults in language training.
• Opening of a bank account.
• Signing up for provincial and federal programs and benefits such as Social Insurance Number, parental benefits, public health insurance.
• Accessing free settlement services once in Canada.
• Receiving support services to find a job.
• Finding a family doctor, dentist, eye care and arrange any other medical needs.

What other support will applicants receive?

Once an application is approved, the government of Canada will:

•  Cover pre-departure medical services to help protect the applicants health and safe travel to Canada.
•  Give the equivalent of 3 months of financial assistance for settlement once in Canada.
•  Provide free settlement services, before and after arrival, to help new residents join Canadian society and the labour force.

What documents are required?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has published that the only documents needed are:

For the Applicants:

• Proof of identity (passport/travel documents)
• Proof of relationship between the applicants and Anchor
• Police certificates
• Photo
• Use of Representative form**
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual***
• Application Forms: Generic application form for Canada, Additional Family Information, Schedule 1, and Schedule A Background/Declaration.

For the Anchor:

• Proof of Identity
• Proof of relationship between applicant and Anchor
• Proof of status in Canada
• Proof of residence in Canada
• Statutory Declaration.

Subject to the circumstances of each case, there may be other supporting documents needed to present a strong application. Applicants are advised to ensure that they are eligible, as well as their Anchors, before sending an application. When submitting the application, verify that all questions are answered, the application is complete and included, all signatures are provided and that all required and supporting documents are uploaded and transmitted.

What are the application fees?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving all application fees for this program. This means that applicant(s) will not have to pay government fees (Right of Permanent Residence Fee, Application fees and biometric fees).

Information in Other languages

You can read more about this program in your preferred language: Español, Krèyol and Français in the IRCC website.

 

 

DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information and does not constitute legal immigration advice. We strive to provide the most up-to-date and error-free information available at the time of publication; however, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. Program can close if the cap is reached. There is no date for the program to close. For official Canadian immigration sources refer to the Act, Regulations and the IRCC website.

 

 

* This declaration is done online in the IRCC designated portal.

** If hiring an authorized representative to act on your behalf with IRCC for the application.

*** When authorizing IRCC and CBSA to release information from the file to someone who is not an authorized representative.

 

Do you want help with your application?

We can assist you with your application and submit your best case forward. We are Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) and members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC)

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