Canada Extends Limited Sudan and Haiti Work Permit Measures Until December 30, 2027

October 29, 2026 | Lifeline Immigration

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a targeted extension of certain temporary immigration measures for people affected by crises in Sudan and Haiti. The earlier measures expired on October 27, 2026, but eligible temporary residents in Canada who hold a valid work permit issued under specified previous public policies may now apply for a work permit renewal until December 30, 2027. This is a limited renewal measure, not a blanket extension of every special immigration benefit.

What changed on October 28?

IRCC’s October 27 notice announced a targeted extension, and its updated Sudan and Haiti guidance states that the revised rules apply as of October 28, 2026. Eligible holders of qualifying work permits may seek renewal, subject to the published requirements and standard processing fees. The new application deadline is December 30, 2027.

Who may be eligible?

The updated Sudan and Haiti guidance requires applicants to hold a valid work permit issued under an eligible earlier temporary public policy for nationals of the relevant country or eligible family members who fled the crisis. Applicants must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status both when they apply and when IRCC decides their application. They must not already have received a renewal under the October 28, 2026 measure and must meet general work permit eligibility and admissibility requirements.

IRCC states that eligible renewals could be valid for up to three years, but work permits cannot extend beyond applicable passport or biometric validity. Approval and duration depend on the individual’s circumstances.

What about visitors and students?

The targeted special extension is for qualifying work permit renewals. IRCC says visitor-record, study-permit and temporary-resident-permit holders can no longer change to another type of permit under these special measures. Those who need to extend their existing visitor, study or other temporary status should use the regular immigration processes. The special fee exemptions available under some earlier policies should not be assumed to continue.

Application fees and supporting documents

The updated IRCC instructions list a CAD $155 work permit processing fee and a CAD $100 open work permit fee for applicants under these measures, with biometric fees where applicable. Applicants should follow the current country-specific online instructions, include a copy of their existing work permit and passport, and provide a letter stating that they are applying under the 2026 Sudan or Haiti measures, as appropriate. Applicants should verify all fees and documentation in their IRCC account before submission.

Why this update matters

Reports published before IRCC confirmed the targeted extension described October 27 as the expiry of the prior measures. The latest official notice changes the practical advice for eligible work permit holders: a limited renewal pathway remains available through December 30, 2027. It does not reopen the expired measures generally, and it does not guarantee eligibility for everyone affected by the crises.

What applicants should do now

Check whether your existing work permit was issued under one of the specified earlier Sudan or Haiti public policies, confirm your current status and permit validity, and review the country-specific IRCC instructions. Applicants facing an approaching expiry date should seek case-specific advice from an authorized immigration professional rather than relying on older deadline summaries.

Official sources

IRCC October 27 notice: targeted Haiti and Sudan extension

IRCC Sudan: temporary immigration measures for workers in Canada

IRCC Haiti: temporary immigration measures for workers in Canada