Special immigration, passport and citizenship measures: Canada’s immigration response to the crisis in Sudan
In response to the conflict in Sudan, Sudanese nationals in Canada may be prevented from returning home. Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and their foreign national family members have also had to suddenly flee the country.
As a result, we have introduced special measures to:
- prioritize applications for permanent residence from Sudanese nationals
- prioritize applications for proof of Canadian citizenship and permanent resident travel documents for those who are affected by the conflict
- support Sudanese nationals in Canada who may want to extend their temporary stay
- provide a pathway to permanent residence for Sudanese nationals with family members in Canada
Sudanese nationals in Canada
Extended until October 27, 2026
Temporary measures are in place for Sudanese nationals in Canada who want to extend their temporary resident status or apply for another temporary resident document.
Temporary measures for Sudanese nationals in Canada
Family-based permanent residence pathway for people affected by the conflict in Sudan
Closed
We’ve put in place a pathway for people to reunite with their family members in Canada permanently if they:
- resided in Sudan when the conflict began on April 15, 2023, and
- are extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Learn more about the pathway to permanent residence.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents
These measures ended on October 27, 2025
Temporary measures are in place for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are affected by the conflict and need any of the following documents:
- certain types of Canadian travel documents, such as
- 1-year limited validity passports
- temporary passports
- emergency travel documents
- Canadian citizenship certificate
- permanent resident travel document
Affected family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who fled Sudan
Extended until October 27, 2026
Temporary measures are in place for foreign national family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who
- left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023
- entered Canada before July 15, 2023
Temporary measures for affected family members
Applications from those living in Sudan
We’re automatically prioritizing applications for permanent residence from those living in Sudan. We’re also prioritizing applications for proof of Canadian citizenship and permanent resident travel documents for those who are affected by the conflict.
How to contact us
To make sure we prioritize your question:
- use this web form
- in the “Tell us about your situation” box
- describe your situation, including what you need help with
- add the keyword "SD2023" at the end of your description