COW – Immigration Responses to Recent Crises—Afghanistan – June 9, 2025

Key Messages

• Canada committed to welcoming at least 40,000 Afghans in August 2021, one of the largest commitments in the world. We have now surpassed this commitment, with over 57,000 Afghans having now arrived in Canada.
• Special measures and programs implemented include: (1) a special program for Afghan nationals with a significant and/or enduring relationship to Canada; (2) the family-based pathways for eligible extended family members of former Afghan interpreters and former Language and Cultural Advisors; and (3) a humanitarian program for other vulnerable groups (e.g., women leaders, LGBTQI+ populations, human rights defenders, journalists, and members of persecuted religious and ethnic minorities).
• Intake for these programs is now closed.
• Our focus is on processing eligible applications already received under the special measures on a priority basis, as well as ensuring that Afghans welcomed to Canada receive effective settlement services to support their integration into their new communities.