New humanitarian pathway for Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan foreign nationals launches today

Julia Hornstein
Published: November 17, 2023

Canada has announced today that they will be providing an alternative to irregular migration by welcoming 15,000 people through a family-based humanitarian pathway in addition to existing programs.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the dedicated humanitarian pathway will provide permanent residence to Colombian, Haitian and Venezuelan foreign nationals. The pathway is now open for applications.

“Providing safe, legal pathways for displaced people to start new lives in Canada not only delivers on that commitment, but also strengthens our country through the profound contributions newcomers make in their communities, including growing our economy and filling labour market gaps,” said the Honourable Marc Miller.

To qualify for the pathway, the principal applicant must be a child (regardless of age), grandchild, spouse, common-law partner, parent, grandparent or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who agrees to support them and their family members as an anchor for one year.

To apply, you must submit your application using the online IRCC portal. You will also need to provide a signed statutory declaration from your anchor confirming that they are willing to support you in Canada. You must also plan to live outside Quebec to be eligible to apply, as Quebec has chosen not to participate in the program.

Those coming to Canada through this new pathway will receive pre-arrival services, including employment sills assessment and a referral to a settlement service provider organization in their community. They may also be eligible for transitional financial assistance from the Resettlement Assistance Program.

How Canada is already welcoming people from the Americas

Canada is already bringing in an additional 4,000 people through Canada’s existing temporary worker programs, including the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

In addition, the country is leveraging the existing refugee labour mobility pathway, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot.

These measures are meant to alleviate migration pressures in the Western Hemisphere. The new humanitarian pathway provides an alternative to irregular migration for some of those who are displaced due to political, social and economic instability.

In addition to the new pathway, Canada is increasing its assistance for capacity-building efforts in the region by investing $75 million over six years for projects across Latin America and the Caribbean. These projects will strengthen asylum capacity and better integrating migrants and refugees into local communities and labour markets.

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

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
Related articles
IRCC issues 911 invitations to apply in Express Entry draw for PNP candidates
A scenic view of downtown Calgary during a summer sunset.
IRCC introduces open work permit options for some PNP candidates
A enginerr with a hard hat smiling at the camera, with a windmill in the background of the image.
September 2024: State of the Express Entry pool
A group of people on Toronto island, looking at the main city from across the water
Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba invite candidates to apply for provincial nomination
Fraser River in British Columbia
Top Stories
First fall in Canada? Here are some things every newcomer should know
IRCC issues 911 invitations to apply in Express Entry draw for PNP candidates
Which regions in Canada could see a reduction of temporary foreign workers?
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Which regions in Canada could see a reduction of temporary foreign workers?
A view of the Edmonton skyline on a summer day
These are the candidates receiving ITAs based on the latest Canadian Experience Class Draw
Woman standing on oceanside cliff holding Canadian flag.
The two biggest strategies to reduce Canadian income taxes on capital gains
Stack of Canadian currency
Extending your visitor status in Canada
Plane flying into Toronto's Billy Bishop airport.
Link copied to clipboard