New pathway to permanent residence for Afghan extended family members of former language and cultural advisors

Ottawa, March 9, 2023 — The Government of Canada remains committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans by the end of 2023, including the extended family members of former language and cultural advisors (LCAs) who supported the Government of Canada during its mission in Afghanistan and are at risk of being targeted by the Taliban.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has opened the application process to the extended family members of these LCAs under a new temporary public policy. The LCAs must currently live in Canada and provide a declaration confirming their residence as part of the application process. LCAs must also have been employed by National Defence in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021.

Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria under the public policy as well as security, criminality and medical admissibility requirements to come to Canada.

How quickly approved applicants arrive in Canada will depend on factors such as where applicants currently live, how country conditions impact our ability to process their application (including steps to complete security screening and collect biometrics) and whether applicants have the required documents to travel. Each country sets its own entry and exit requirements, and decides when and if these requirements are changed, which may have an impact on someone’s ability to travel to Canada. We continue to engage with safe third countries in the region to support the safe movement of approved clients to Canada.

To apply, visit the department’s website for the guidelines and applications forms.