Guide to Form IMM 0208: Obtaining Canadian Permanent Residence for Sudanese Refugees
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents can support extended family members affected by the Sudanese conflict in obtaining permanent residence.
- Form IMM 0208 requires Canadian “anchors” (family members) to declare their intention to provide financial and non-financial support to Sudanese refugees.
- Form IMM 0208 must be commissioned by an authorized official, like a notary public.
- Anchors must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents, at least 18 years old, residing outside Quebec, and meet financial and legal requirements.
- Anchors should commit to a one-year support plan without accepting compensation from refugees.
- The policy is effective February 27, 2024 for one year or until 3,250 applications are accepted.
- Form IMM 0208 can be commissioned online in 7 minutes with NotaryPro’s platform.
Armed conflict between rival factions of Sudan’s military government erupted in April of 2023. Since then, 1.2 million people have fled the country, and 5 million have been internally displaced. Canada recognizes the magnitude of this crisis, and has introduced several temporary facilitative measures to support those seeking safety in Canada.
Family-Based Pathway to Support Refugees from Sudan
This public policy provides Sudanese refugees affected by the conflict with a family-based pathway to a Canadian permanent residence. Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada can support the settlement and integration of extended family members fleeing Sudan.
For further details, see the official public policy issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For more information about how to apply for this family-based permanent residence pathway and the supporting documents you’ll require, click here.
Why is Form IMM 0208 Needed to Assist Sudanese Refugees?
In this program, Sudanese applicants need to have an “anchor” (a family member who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident in Canada). The anchor helps “foreign nationals” (Sudanese refugees) with financial and non-financial matters related to their settlement and integration into Canada. The anchor must meet a list of criteria and prove that they can adequately provide the support required.
To do this, the anchor (and in some cases their spouse) must fill out Form IMM 0208 (Eligibility and Statutory Declaration Attesting to the Intention of a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada (Anchor) to Support a Foreign National Affected by the Conflict in Sudan). In addition, the anchor must make an oath and sign their completed form in front of a Notary Public.
Conditions the Anchor Must Meet to Support Sudanese Family
To be an eligible anchor for the program, one must meet the following conditions:
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- Is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- Is at least 18 years of age;
- Resides in Canada, but outside of Quebec;
- Meets the financial requirements in Annex C of the policy;
- Is not under any removal order in Canada;
- Is not detained in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or prison;
- Has not been convicted of a serious offense in Canada (Murder or Schedule I or II)
- Has not been convicted of a serious offense outside of Canada (similar to offenses in condition 7)
- Is not in default of sponsorship or support payments ordered by the courts
- Is not in any default or debt payable to His Majesty in the right of Canada
- Is not in bankruptcy
- Is not in receipt of social assistance for a reason other than disability; and
- Has not and will not accept financial compensation from the foreign national or their accompanying family members.
Responsibilities of the Anchor
The anchor must submit a statutory declaration to outline their intent to support the foreign national and accompanying family members for one year, with the following:
- Meeting them at the airport and bringing them to their final destination;
- Providing orientation to Canadian life (banking, shopping, public transportation, rights and responsibilities, etc.)
- Financial support for basic needs
- food, housing, clothing, dental care, eye care, and other health needs not covered by public health
- Assisting with:
- finding temporary and permanent accommodation,
- enrolling children in school or child care,
- coordinating interpretation services,
- enrolling in provincial and national programs and benefits (health insurance, obtaining a SIN, Canada Child Benefit, etc.),
- finding a family physician, dentist, and optometrist, and arranging for any additional medical needs,
- Enrolling adults in language training, and
- Accessing support services to find employment.
Note: If the anchor’s spouse or common-law partner intends to include their income to meet the financial requirement, the spouse or common-law partner needs to fill out sections G, H, I, and K.
Start and End Dates of this Temporary Public Policy
This temporary public policy comes into effect on February 27, 2024. It will end one year after taking effect, or once 3,250 applications have been accepted by IRCC — whichever comes first.
Can Form IMM 0208 be Signed and Commissioned Online?
Yes, you can quickly and easily sign Form IMM 0208 online, by virtually meeting with a notary public. Our commissioned documents are legally recognized and accepted by the Government of Canada, provincial authorities, and international authorities.
You can book an on-demand appointment within the hour and have Form 0208 commissioned in under 10 minutes. Visit our online booking page to schedule an appointment today!
How to Complete and Commission Form IMM 0208
Complete Form IMM 0208 with NotaryPro! You can find and download Form IMM 0208 by clicking here. Check out the video below for further guidance — and as always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions!