Application for a permanent resident visa under the updated temporary public policy for extended families of former Afghan interpreters
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
Note: Special measures for Afghanistan are no longer in effect. The following instructions remain available to provide officers with the information they need to finalize applications received through all the special programs for Afghans on a priority basis.
In 2009 and 2012, the Government of Canada facilitated the immigration of certain Afghan nationals who served as local staff, such as interpreters, in direct support of Canada’s combat mission in Kandahar, Afghanistan, to Canada under 1 of 2 public policies:
- Temporary public policy concerning certain local staff in direct support of the Canadian mission in Kandahar as of October 9, 2009
- Temporary public policy concerning local staff who provided direct support to the Canadian mission is Kandahar as of February 2012
These previous policies provided individuals and their immediate family members with a pathway to permanent residence in Canada. They were put in place in recognition of the risk that these individuals took as a result of their support of Canada’s work in their country.
While some of their extended family members may have come to Canada through existing programs over the years, others may have not. This temporary public policy aims to facilitate the reunification of those Afghan nationals who came to Canada under the 2009 or 2012 measures and their dependent family members.