Family reunification
Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor an eligible spouse, partner, dependent child or other qualifying relative under the ordinary family classes. Relationship and sponsor eligibility rules apply.
Country and humanitarian pathways / Afghanistan
Options for Afghan families and women
Understand what happened to Canada's Afghan special measures and which standard routes may still be relevant.
Program status: Dedicated special intake closed
The current picture
Canada's dedicated Afghan resettlement and special immigration measures reached their intake limits and are not accepting new applications. Existing cases may still be processed. There is no general program that allows anyone to sponsor an Afghan girl or woman solely because of her nationality or gender.
Which option fits your circumstances?
Refugee resettlement
An Afghan person who meets Canada's refugee criteria may be considered through government-assisted or eligible private sponsorship channels. A Canadian contact alone cannot guarantee a referral or sponsorship place.
Study and work
If a person has an offer from a Canadian school or employer, they may explore regular study or work permit rules. Admission, funding and entry requirements are separate questions.
Scholarships for women
Some Canadian universities offer scholarships aimed at Afghan women. These are institution-run awards with specific admissions, eligibility and application deadlines—not a universal government-funded visa or free sponsorship program.
Before you apply
- 01Identify whether the person has an existing IRCC invitation or file under the closed Afghan measures.
- 02Gather identity, family relationship and residence documents; check translation requirements.
- 03If considering study, check the institution's scholarship terms and study permit requirements separately.
Avoid false promises
IRCC says its Afghan special immigration measures are closed to new applications. Do not pay anyone claiming to sell a place or invitation.
Canada Path can help you review eligibility, organize documents and understand application steps where appropriate. We cannot issue scholarships, secure refugee referrals or guarantee government decisions.
Official sources
Check these sources for the latest status, deadlines and eligibility. General information on this page is not legal advice.
- IRCC: Canada's response to Afghanistan
- IRCC: Family sponsorship
- University of Victoria: Afghan women scholarship
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Your next step
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