Canada Extends Work Permit Measures for Haitian and Sudanese Nationals Until December 2027

The Canadian government has announced an extension of special work permit measures for eligible Haitian and Sudanese nationals living and working in Canada. This decision will allow qualifying foreign workers to apply for work permit extensions and continue their employment in Canada.

On October 27, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed that these temporary immigration measures, which were originally scheduled to expire on the same day, have been extended until December 30, 2027.

The extension provides additional support to individuals affected by the ongoing crises in Haiti and Sudan.

Who Is Eligible for the Work Permit Extension?

The extended measures apply to eligible Haitian and Sudanese nationals who are currently working in Canada under the previous temporary measures introduced by IRCC.

To qualify for a work permit extension, applicants must:

• Be Haitian or Sudanese nationals.
• Hold a valid Canadian work permit issued under the previous temporary measures.
• Meet the requirements for extending their work permit under the applicable measures.
  
  

These provisions allow eligible foreign workers to apply for an extension of their existing work authorization.

However, IRCC has confirmed that standard work permit processing fees will apply to applications submitted under the extended measures.

Can Applicants Continue Working While Their Extension Is Being Processed?

Yes. Eligible foreign workers who submit their work permit extension applications before their current permits expire may benefit from maintained status.

Maintained status allows eligible individuals to remain in Canada and continue working under the conditions of their existing work permits while IRCC processes their applications, provided they meet the applicable requirements.

This means that qualifying workers may continue their employment without interruption while waiting for a decision on their work permit extension.

Applicants should ensure they submit their extension applications before their current work permits expire to benefit from maintained status.

Background: Canada's Temporary Immigration Measures for Haiti and Sudan

Canada introduced temporary immigration measures to support individuals affected by the political instability and humanitarian crises in Haiti and Sudan.

Temporary Measures for Haitian Nationals

On May 23, 2024, IRCC introduced special temporary measures for Haitian nationals affected by the ongoing crisis in Haiti.

These measures were designed to provide immigration support to eligible individuals, including opportunities to extend their authorization to work in Canada.

Temporary Measures for Sudanese Nationals

Canada initially announced special immigration measures for Sudanese nationals on April 24, 2023.

These measures came into effect on April 30, 2023, to assist individuals affected by the conflict in Sudan.

The latest announcement extends the applicable work permit measures for eligible nationals of both countries until December 30, 2027.

What Does This Extension Mean for Haitian and Sudanese Workers in Canada?

The extension provides eligible foreign workers with an additional opportunity to maintain their legal authorization to work in Canada.

For those whose work permits are approaching expiry, the updated measures may help them continue working while their extension applications are processed.

However, applicants must carefully review their eligibility and ensure their applications are submitted according to IRCC requirements.

It is also important to understand that the extension of these temporary measures does not automatically extend an individual's existing work permit. Eligible applicants must submit the required application and pay the applicable processing fees.

Important Dates to Remember

• April 24, 2023: Canada announced temporary immigration measures for Sudanese nationals.
• April 30, 2023: The initial Sudanese measures came into effect.
• May 23, 2024: Canada introduced temporary measures for Haitian nationals.
• October 27, 2026: IRCC announced the extension of work permit measures for eligible Haitian and Sudanese nationals.
• December 30, 2027: New expiry date for the extended temporary measures.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Canada's decision to extend temporary work permit measures for Haitian and Sudanese nationals reflects its continued efforts to support individuals affected by humanitarian crises.

Eligible foreign workers who currently hold valid work permits issued under the previous temporary measures can apply for extensions under the updated provisions.

Individuals planning to extend their work permits should review the eligibility requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and submit their applications before their current work authorization expires