Haiti Earthquake: Canada at the forefront of relief efforts, immigration measures

CIC News
Published: January 27, 2010

When a devastating earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale struck Haiti on January 12, Canada’s response was almost immediate. From monetary aid and supplies to troops and aid workers, Canada is spearheading Haiti relief efforts on all fronts. Canadian and provincial immigration ministers immediately met to determine whether special immigration measures would be implemented, and ultimately decided to allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents with family members affected by the disaster to sponsor eligible family members on a priority basis.

Canada is home to one of the largest Haitian communities outside of Haiti, with more than 100,000 Canadians of Haitian descent living mostly in Montreal, Quebec. Canada also has a strong humanitarian presence in Haiti, and ties between the two countries are very strong, which is why reuniting affected Haitians with family members in Canada has been a priority for the Canadian government.

“Canada has welcomed a large community of Haitians to this country and is working to reunite families affected by this disaster as quickly as possible. Haitian nationals who are currently in Canada will also benefit from special measures,” said Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada Minister Jason Kenney.

The special immigration measures that are currently in place are:

  • Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada can sponsor their eligible family members to immigrate to Canada from Haiti on a priority basis. New applications must clearly be marked “Haiti” to ensure priority processing.
  • Because immigration is a shared portfolio between the Quebec and federal governments, Quebec is responsible for selecting its own immigrants (including those they select on humanitarian and compassionate grounds).  Quebec’s Immigration Minister announced last week that, for Haitians only, adult brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and aunts and uncles will also be eligible to be sponsored by their family members.
  • Federal family sponsorship applications that were already in place at the time of the earthquake will also benefit from priority processing. Sponsors should call Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to identify those applications.
  • Adoptions of Haitian children by Canadian parents that were in process at the time of the earthquake will also receive priority processing. CIC estimates that a total of 237 children could be affected by these measures, and to date, the Haitian government has identified and approved 217 children.
  • Haitian nationals currently in Canada on temporary status can apply to extend their status in Canada, and those who are eligible to work can apply for Open Work Permits. These applications will also be processed on a priority basis, and fees associated for such applications have been waived.
  • Temporary and transit visa requirements have been suspended for rescue and relief workers traveling to Haiti through Canada.

CIC has indicated that it does not expect to put further special immigration measures in place at this time. However, we will keep you updated should that change.

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Top Stories
How to prepare for your Canadian citizenship test
Useful Tips to Save Money for Newcomers in Canada
Five things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market, according to a new report
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Work
Five things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market, according to a new report
Four people sit on chairs while waiting to be interviewed
Can I get Ontario health coverage on a work permit?
A doctor examines a patient who likely is on his work permit in Ontario.
These industries have the highest retention rates for work permit holders who become permanent residents
A hand holding a briefcase
Work permit options for international student graduates no longer eligible for PGWPs
International student graduates no longer eligible for PGWPs have other work permit options.
Link copied to clipboard