Haiti and Sudan: targeted work permit extension until December 30, 2027

On October 27, 2026, IRCC announced that the temporary measures for people affected by the crises in Haiti and Sudan, which were due to end on October 27, 2026, have been extended in a targeted way until December 30, 2027. The details matter: this is not a full renewal of the measures. Only people who hold a valid work permit obtained under these measures can apply to extend it, and they now pay standard processing fees. If you are a Haitian or Sudanese national in Canada, or a family member of someone affected, here is what you need to know.

What is changing

The Sudan measures have been in place since April 2023, and the Haiti measures since May 23, 2024. For Haiti, they allowed eligible people to apply from within Canada for an open work permit, a study permit, a visitor record or a temporary resident permit (TRP), free of charge.

The new approach is much narrower:

• only an extension of a work permit already obtained under the Haiti or Sudan measures is available;
• standard processing fees apply;
• visitors and students who want to extend their status or study permit must use IRCC's regular processes.

For Sudan, IRCC states that the changes apply as of October 28, 2026, and that applications must be submitted no later than December 30, 2027.

Sudan: requirements, fees and how to apply

To apply for the extension, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• hold a valid work permit issued under a previous policy for Sudanese nationals or for family members who fled the conflict;
• be in Canada with valid status both when you apply and when the decision is made;
• not have already received a renewal under this measure, since only one renewal is allowed;
• meet the general admissibility requirements: criminal record, security, health, proof of funds, intent to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, and an employer that is not ineligible.

The permit can be issued for up to 3 years, but it cannot extend beyond the expiry date of your passport or your biometrics. IRCC recommends renewing your passport before you apply, or paying the biometrics fee with your application.

According to IRCC's Sudan page, the fees are as follows (check the current amounts when you pay):

• work permit processing: $155;
• open work permit holder fee: $100;
• biometrics, if required: $85 per person, or up to $170 for a family.

To submit your application:

• apply online using the application to extend your status as a worker;
• answer yes to the question about an open work permit under an active public policy;
• include a copy of your current permit, a copy of your passport and a letter stating that you are applying under the 2026 measures for Sudan;
• enter the code SD2023 in the web form, or on a paper application, which is accepted only if you have a disability or the online system is down.

If you apply before your current status expires, you keep maintained status: you can remain in Canada under the same conditions while you wait for a decision.

Haiti: some details still to be confirmed

For Haitians, IRCC's announcement points in the same direction: people holding a work permit obtained under the Haiti measures can apply to extend it by paying standard fees, and the broader options available before are replaced by this single work permit renewal.

Some Haiti-specific details remain to be confirmed, including the application code, the letter to include, the exact fees, the maximum permit length, the one-renewal rule and the situation of family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Before you apply, review IRCC's instructions for Haiti carefully.

Visitors, students and special situations

Visitors, students and TRP holders who relied on the special measures must now go through the usual channels, meeting the regular requirements and paying standard fees. For Sudan, IRCC confirms that no other special measures are in effect and that these measures can no longer be used to obtain a different type of permit.

If you fear for your safety should you return, speak with an authorized professional. Likewise, if your permit has already expired, your options depend on several factors and call for an individual assessment.

What to do now

• Check which policy your current permit was issued under: only a permit obtained under the Haiti or Sudan measures qualifies for the extension.
• Apply before your current permit expires so that you keep maintained status. Do not wait until December 30, 2027.
• Check the expiry dates of your passport and biometrics so your new permit is not shorter than it could be.
• Budget for the fees and prepare the required letter.
• Since only one extension is allowed, at least for Sudan, start planning a longer-term pathway now, such as permanent residence or an employer-specific work permit.

Every case is different. If you would like to understand your options, our regulated consultants can assess your situation.