How to Apply for Canada Immigration from Afghanistan

As we already know, the Taliban has taken over Afghanistan and toppled the democratic government by force. Also, the government of Canada has vowed that it has no plans to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

With the Taliban being in control of the country, many of its people are now at risk of violence. Owing to that, Canada has established notable pathways to help those in need in Afghanistan. Agreeably, an ever-increasing number of people are getting ready to migrate to Canada from Afghanistan.

One good thing about Canadian Immigration is that it’s fair. You won’t experience any form of discrimination and it is against the law to discriminate against citizens of Afghanistan the same way it is illegal to do so to citizens of any other country in the world.

Additionally, the Canadian government has committed to accepting 20,000 Afghan refugees. According to reports, they intend to achieve this with two main programs that have been created to help Afghan nationals and their family members, start a new life.

Note that the first program is designed for Afghan nationals and their families, who have helped the Canadian government. The second program is a humanitarian program meant to help Afghan nationals who are not in Afghanistan, without any other viable options in a third country, to settle in Canada.

Under this program, you don’t have to currently be in Afghanistan or go to Afghanistan to be eligible. If you’re outside Afghanistan and need urgent protection, you only need to reach out to the nearest office of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Canadian Immigration Programs for Afghan Nationals

In light of the recent unrest in Afghanistan, Canada has opened numerous immigration programs to help as many as 20,000 Afghan nationals move to Canada. These programs include

1. Immigration Program For Afghans Who Have Helped The Government Of Canada

This is a special immigration program for Afghan citizens including family members, who have previously assisted the Canadian government. To qualify, you will be expected to meet the following requirements;

• You’re an Afghan national and your employment involved a substantial and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada, which could be, but is not limited to Interpreters who worked with the Canadian Armed Forces and local staff who used to work at the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan
• You or your family members were in Afghanistan on or after July 22, 2021 (the date this special program started)
• You’re not admissible to Canada.

2. Humanitarian Program For Afghans In Need Of Resettlement

Have in mind that this immigration program is further divided into two groups, and they include;

• Group 1: This group is for Afghan nationals who are extended family members of someone who must have helped the Government of Canada and has already been resettled to Canada.
• Group 2: This group is mainly for Afghan nationals who are outside of Afghanistan and don’t have any viable solutions in a third country.

3. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class

This Express Entry Immigration program offers Afghan nationals the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Note that CRS Points will be accumulated depending on skilled work experience, English/French language abilities, education, proof of funds, admissibility, and other factors (including age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability).

However, owing to the applicant’s ranking, an ITA to apply for permanent residency will — or will not — be forwarded to them by the government. ITAs are sent to those who achieve the highest scores in each draw.

4. Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

Afghan citizens who are eager to move to Canada via the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream of the Express Entry online system, will be expected to show that for the trades work they seek to do in Canada:

• They have previously carried out all the duties that are outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description of the skilled trade, including all necessary duties and most of the main duties
• The prior skilled trade experience was obtained in a paid role with the same NOC code as the job that the applicant is seeking to work in upon immigrating to Canada
• The skilled trade experience was also acquired after qualifying to independently practice the trade
• The skilled trade experience was accumulated within the last 5 years before applying
• The skilled trade experience was at least 2 years of full-time work (or an equal amount of part-time work experience

5. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This program focuses on applicants from Afghanistan who have worked in Canada. Note that this stream of the Express Entry process analyzes skilled work carried out while employed in Canada. Other fields that the CRS assigns points for are:

English/French language abilities, education, admissibility, and other factors (including age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability). The Government of Canada then forwards ITAs to the top-ranking applicants in the draw.

6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Ontario & British Columbia

The Provincial Nominee Program offers applicants a considerable platform to apply through the province rather than through a federal program (such as the FSW, FST, or CEC). Have in mind there are 12 provinces/territories offering their own, independent, immigration programs and streams.

Note that criteria and eligibility requirements differ for each, most often depending on their economic needs and the industries they are looking to fill. Each province/territory can also offer around 3-8 immigration streams.

How to Apply for Canada Immigration from Afghanistan

The process of applying for Canada Immigration from Afghanistan will vary based on the exact immigration program you qualify for. However, if you receive an ITA from any Canadian provinces/territories, here are the primary ways you will be expected to file your application.

1. Paper-Based Process

If you are required to file a paper-based application, note that you will be expected to follow the steps below;

• Download, complete and submit the paper application package for permanent residence, and this can be found at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams/
• Complete and submit a Police Character/Clearance Certificate
• Pay application fees (including processing fees for yourself and any relative you intend to bring along, Right of Permanent Residence fee, biometric fees, and applicable third-party fees)
• Apply with Proof of Payment for all necessary fees to the location indicated in the Instruction Guide.

After you must have paid the necessary fees and the application is submitted, you will receive a letter (Letter of Instruction) stating the need for biometric data to be provided and directives on how to go about it. Note that this letter will have to be presented when going to the Biometrics appointment.

2. Online Process

Note that an Afghan citizen looking to apply for permanent residency by getting a nomination from a province or territory that provides the PNP via the Express Entry process has two options to consider:

• Reach out to the province/territory and then apply for a nomination via the Express Entry stream. If the province/territory makes a nomination, an Express Entry online profile will then be created (or existing profiles updated) to show a nomination has been made.
• Create an Express Entry profile as part of the application for permanent residency that shows the provinces/territories you are interested in. Once a province/territory sends a “Notification of Interest” the applicant can contact that province/territory and then apply to the Express Entry stream to await a nomination to the account.

Conclusion

There are numerous immigration options to choose from when looking to move to Canada from Afghanistan. Always remember that the initial step is to find out the exact visa or programs you qualify for.

Also, note that it takes 6-18 months to receive a Canadian Visa decision. Reports also have it that an application may remain in Express Entry for 12 months and it most often takes a few months to gather all the requirements at home in Afghanistan to file the initial application.