Program delivery update: COVID-19 – Health-care workers permanent residence pathway
This section contains policy, procedures and guidance used by IRCC staff. It is posted on the department’s website as a courtesy to stakeholders.
December 14, 2020
In recognition of their exceptional service, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the granting of permanent residence for certain refugee claimants working in Canada’s health care sector and providing direct patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing the unique selection authority of Quebec, established under the Canada-Québec Accord, a separate public policy for those intending to reside in Quebec has also been developed.
Spouses or common-law partners of a foreign national who contracted COVID-19 and passed away prior to applying for permanent residence under one of the public policies or after applying but before being granted permanent residence may also apply for permanent residence under one of the temporary public policies for health-care workers, as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants have until August 31, 2021 to submit their application for permanent residence.
New instructions
- Health-care workers permanent residence pathway: COVID-19 program delivery
- Conditions (eligibility requirements)
- Intake and completeness
- Preliminary review and triage
- Assessing the work-related requirements
- Eligibility
- Admissibility
- Making a final decision
- Roles and responsibilities (IRCC, IRB, CBSA and MIFI)