IRCC extended its temporary work permit measures for Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada to Dec 30, 2027. Who qualifies and what to check.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on October 27, 2026 that it is extending its temporary measures for Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada who cannot return home. The measures were due to expire that same day; they now run to December 30, 2027. This is an official extension of existing measures, not a new program: according to IRCC's notice, it applies to people who already hold a valid work permit issued under the previous temporary measures.
What IRCC announced
- Who: Haitian and Sudanese nationals in Canada who hold a valid work permit issued under the previous temporary measures.
- What: they can apply to extend that work permit.
- Fees: standard processing fees apply.
- New end date: the extended measures expire on December 30, 2027.
- Visitors and students: people who want to extend visitor status or a study permit apply through IRCC's existing channels.
Who is not covered
Based on the notice, the extension is aimed at existing permit holders under these measures. It does not, on its face, create a new route for people outside Canada, and it says nothing about permanent residence. IRCC describes the approach as targeted at people who cannot return home and need to support themselves.
Check the details before you apply
IRCC's notice does not say whether extended permits are open or employer-specific, or how family members are treated. On October 28, 2026 the Haiti and Sudan program pages still showed the old October 27, 2026 end date, so they had not yet been updated. Read the program pages again before applying rather than relying on older instructions.
What to do next
If your permit was issued under these measures, check its expiry date and apply for the extension before it expires; applying on time generally lets you keep working under the same conditions while IRCC decides (maintained status). Keep proof of the submission date. If you are unsure whether your permit was issued under these measures, or you are also considering a permanent route, you can request an eligibility assessment. Estimated waits for extensions are on our processing times tool.
Processing times are estimates and no application outcome is assured. Official source: IRCC's notice of October 27, 2026.
Not sure how this applies to your situation? A licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can review your profile with you.
