2025 Family-Based PR Pathway for Sudan Conflict-Affected Individual

October 3, 2025 — IRCC has released updated processing instructions for the family-based permanent residence pathway designed to assist individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

This temporary humanitarian policy offers a safe and structured route for foreign nationals with family in Canada to seek protection and rebuild their lives, supported by settlement and integration measures.

🔍 Key Highlights

1. What is the Family-Based Humanitarian Pathway?

• It applies to individuals who were living in Sudan when the conflict began (April 15, 2023).

• Applicants must be the child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (the “anchor”) who agrees to support them.

• Unlike earlier versions, anchors can now reside anywhere in Canada, not only outside Québec.

• Applications are submitted through the Permanent Residence (PR) portal.

2. Quota and Current Status

• As of April 17, 2025, IRCC stopped accepting new applications and is processing those already received, in the order they were submitted.

• The initial cap of 3,250 applications has been expanded to over 5,000, opening the door for approximately 10,000 individuals to reunite with their families.

• Special facilitation measures have been extended until October 27, 2025.

3. Application Steps and Conditions to Note

• New intake under the expanded policy was expected to begin on February 25, 2025.

• During the initial phase, 500 application spots were reserved for cases with anchors in Québec (until April 17, 2025), after which the pathway was opened to anchors across Canada.

• To qualify, applicants must intend to reside outside Québec, even if their anchor lives in Québec.

• The application must list all family members, whether accompanying or not—omissions may lead to refusal.

• If applications exceed the cap, they will be returned without refund.

4. Canada’s Commitment and Progress

• Canada has pledged to resettle up to 4,000 government-assisted refugees by the end of 2026, plus 700 more through community sponsorship.

• The family-based PR quota has been increased from 3,250 to more than 5,000.

• Since the conflict began, over 9,800 individuals have been granted permanent residence, and approximately 4,484 people have been approved for temporary stays in Canada.

If you or someone you know has Sudanese roots and family in Canada, you may qualify for this program—especially if you lived in Sudan before April 15, 2023.

Applicants should start preparing early:

• Identify a qualified anchor in Canada.

• Gather original documents and proof of family relationship.

• Include all family members in the application.

• Prepare a support commitment from the anchor.

Due to the limited intake capacity and high demand, delays or errors may result in lost opportunities.

Contact SICON for tailored guidance on eligibility, documentation, and submission strategy to ensure your application meets all requirements under this humanitarian pathway.