Parliamentary Committee Notes: Afghans with association to the Government of Canada
Throughout Canada's mission in Afghanistan, Afghans associated with the Government of Canada played critical roles supporting the Canadian Armed Forces mission and our members.
Given its long-standing operations on the ground in Afghanistan, National Defence acted as a referral partner for IRCC's Special Immigration Measures (SIM) program for Afghan nationals.
For example, many former and current Canadian Armed Forces members came forward, or were contacted individually, to confirm Afghans' relationships to the Canadian Armed Forces.
Additionally, NGOs and advocacy groups provided lists of potential applicants to National Defence in an effort to help identify Afghans who worked side-by-side with the Canadian Armed Forces.
In this capacity, National Defence provided IRCC with the names of Afghans who demonstrated a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada, as defined by the SIM program criteria established by IRCC.
Key facts
Special Immigration Measures (SIMs) Program
The Special Immigration Measures (SIMs) program is under the responsibility and authority of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
National Defence does not process applications or vet SIMs applicants.
For National Defence to have referred Afghan nationals to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the applicant had to demonstrate a "significant and/or enduring" relationship with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Current / former Canadian Armed Forces members validated this relationship for many SIMs applicants.
Afghan nationals who were not accepted into the Special Immigration Measures program can apply through other immigration streams if they are eligible.
NGOs and Advocacy Groups: Provided lists of applicants and information to assist in identifying Afghans eligible for SIMs.
Afghan Canadian Interpreters (ACI)
Canadian Heroes
Aman Lara
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