Canada immigration for Afghan refugees: How to apply and who is eligible?
Canada has implemented a special program for Afghans who assisted Canada. You might qualify to immigrate to Canada under this special program if you work or have worked for the Government of Canada in Afghanistan.
Avoid becoming a victim of fraud
There is no fee to be considered for the special immigration program for individuals and their families who provided support to Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan. Only Global Affairs Canada or the Canadian Armed Forces can identify people.
Who can apply
You may be eligible for this special program if you meet all these requirements:
you’re an Afghan national and your employment involved a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada, which could be, but is not limited to interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces
local staff who currently or used to work at the Embassy of Canada to Afghanistan.
You or your eligible family members were in Afghanistan on or after July 22, 2021 (the date this special program started)
Note: As long as this requirement is met, you or your eligible family members don’t have to be in Afghanistan when you submit your application. If you and/or your family members leave Afghanistan after this date, your application will continue to be processed under the Government-Assisted Refugee Program.
For this special program, only these people are eligible as family members:
A spouse or common-law partner
A dependent child who is
Under 22 years of age and
Not married or in a common-law relationship
A dependent child of a dependent child (a grandchild) who is
Under 22 years of age and
Not married or in a common-law relationship
De facto dependants will also be eligible under this special program. A de facto dependant is someone who
Depends on a specific family for emotional or financial reasons (or both)
May live with the family as a member of their household
How to apply
Email us if you think you’re eligible or have questions. Do not contact the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan about this Special program.
Step 1: Write your email
Your email must include
Your full name (include any nicknames you may have had)
Your date of birth
Your email address
Your phone number
A description of your work with the Government of Canada or the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan, including
yYur job title or position
Your identification number, if you had one
The name(s) of your Canadian point(s) of contact (if possible)
Update: You must include copies of your passports in your email
If possible, you must include a copy of
Your passport and
The passport for each eligible family member travelling with you.
If you or your family members don’t have a passport and are still in Afghanistan, apply for one as soon as possible. If You’re approved to come to Canada, you’ll need a passport for your flight.
Attach any documents you have that show you worked with the Government of Canada.
If you worked with the Canadian Armed Forces as part of its operations in Afghanistan, your information will be forwarded to National Defence.
Step 2: Send your email
Once you’re ready, send your email to Canada-Afghanistan@international.gc.ca.
What it means to be inadmissible
Some people aren’t allowed to come to Canada. They’re “inadmissible” under Canada’s immigration law.
A Canadian immigration officer will decide if you can enter Canada when you:
Apply for a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or when you arrive at a port of entry.
There are different reasons we may not let you into Canada, such as security, criminal or medical reasons.