Canada Announces Open Work Permit Renewal Policy for Sudanese Nationals and Family Members

Overview of the New Public Policy

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a temporary public policy to facilitate the renewal of open work permits for eligible foreign nationals from Sudan and qualifying family members currently residing in Canada. According to the issuing authority, the measure addresses situations where temporary residents are unable to return to Sudan due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and civil conflict.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an open work permit renewal under this policy, applicants must meet specific administrative criteria established by the department:

• Status: Maintain valid temporary resident status at the time of application submission and when a final decision is made.
• Current Permit: Hold a valid work permit issued under previous specific public policies designed for Sudanese nationals or family members who fled the conflict.
• Application Method: Apply from within Canada for a work permit renewal under subsection 201(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Regulations.
• Exemption Limit: Have not previously been granted an exemption under this specific public policy.

Validity and Official Guidance

According to the official directive signed by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the public policy takes effect on October 28, 2026, and is scheduled to expire on December 30, 2027, unless revoked earlier.

Applicants remain subject to standard fees and all other baseline admissibility and selection requirements unless explicitly exempted. Individuals seeking to verify official announcements or review procedural updates should consult the official IRCC website or primary government channels for authoritative guidance.