Parliamentary Committee Notes: Special Immigration Measures Referrals
Key messages
As part of the Government of Canada's commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals by the end of 2023, IRCC developed multiple pathways and measures, including the Special Immigration Measures (SIM), to provide safety to Afghans who had closely supported the Government of Canada during our two decades in Afghanistan.
The SIM program focuses on individuals with a significant and/or enduring relationship with Canada, and their families who are at risk because of their association with the Canadian government. Out of the total 40,000 committed, 18,000 spaces were reserved for this program.
Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defence (DND) provided referrals to IRCC based on the relationship of the individuals to the Government of Canada.
Supplementary messages
The intake cap for the SIM program was 20,600, which has been received and intake is now closed. As of October 1, 2024, 15,445 Afghan nationals have arrived in Canada under the SIM program.
At this time, Global Affairs Canada and the Department of National Defense have provided sufficient referrals for IRCC to fill all places under this program.
The Government of Canada received hundreds of thousands of requests for consideration under the SIM program. Unfortunately, a crisis of this magnitude means that there will always be more demand for resettlement to Canada than we are able to provide.
IRCC continues to process eligible applications received under the various Afghan special measures for Afghan nationals on a priority basis, recognizing the unique circumstances in Afghanistan.
IRCC remains in close contact with Afghan clients, including those who are still in Afghanistan.
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