The security situation in Haiti has continued to worsen, leading to ongoing instability in Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions. In response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has activated special measures to help Canadians, permanent residents, and eligible family members who are directly affected and may need to return to Canada quickly.
These measures are designed to simplify the process of obtaining emergency travel documents so individuals can leave Haiti when conditions allow.
1. Who Is Eligible for These Special Measures?
The temporary support applies to:
- Canadian citizens in Haiti
- Permanent residents in Haiti
- Immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have left Haiti
IRCC encourages anyone within these groups to prepare for travel as soon as it is safe to do so.
2. What Types of Assistance Are Available?
IRCC is offering expedited help with essential documents, including:
- Limited-validity one-year passports
- Temporary passports
- Emergency travel documents
- Canadian citizenship certificates
- Permanent resident travel documents
These documents allow individuals to board flights and enter Canada legally.
3. Canadian Citizens: Passport Requirements Still Apply
Canadians returning home must travel with a Canadian passport, even in emergency situations.
IRCC advises citizens to:
- Prepare all required passport forms
- Gather proper identification
- Ensure their photos meet passport requirements
- Follow the application steps for either renewal or first-time issuance
These steps help prevent delays once travel becomes possible.
4. Permanent Residents: Returning to Canada
Permanent residents outside Canada must hold a valid Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) if they do not have a valid PR card.
PRTD applications under these special measures may receive priority where possible due to the crisis conditions.
5. Those Planning to Leave Haiti Should Prepare Early
Although leaving Haiti remains challenging, IRCC advises individuals to:
- Monitor the Government of Canada’s official travel advisories
- Keep travel documents ready in case evacuation routes open
- Stay informed about the situation on the ground
Safety conditions can change quickly, and having documents prepared in advance reduces the risk of missed departure opportunities.
Conclusion
Canada continues to monitor the crisis in Haiti and has introduced special measures to help citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members return home safely. Anyone affected should prepare their documents early, follow official travel guidance, and apply promptly for the documents they need.
NPZ Law Group assists families and organizations with emergency document guidance, PRTD applications, and Canadian immigration support during crisis situations.
FAQs — Canada’s Special Measures for Individuals in Haiti
1. Who qualifies for these special IRCC measures?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members who left Haiti or need to return.
2. Do Canadian citizens still need a Canadian passport?
Yes. A Canadian passport is required for entry into Canada, even during emergencies.
3. What if a permanent resident does not have a valid PR card?
They must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
4. Are these measures permanent?
No. They are temporary supports related to the crisis in Haiti.
5. What should individuals do now?
Prepare travel documents, monitor official travel advisories, and be ready to leave when safe transit becomes available.
Contact Information If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.