Canada’s immigration system is governed not only by legislation like the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) but also by Ministerial Instructions and temporary public policies. These public policies play a critical role in addressing urgent or exceptional circumstances—ranging from humanitarian crises to temporary labour shortages, or public health emergencies.

Public policies allow the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to facilitate or expedite immigration pathways for certain groups without requiring legislative changes. In practice, this could mean new opportunities for individuals affected by conflict abroad, special measures for temporary residents in Canada, or pathways to permanent residence that are not otherwise available under regular immigration streams.

At Golden Maple Law, we regularly monitor these evolving policies to ensure our clients are aware of any temporary programs that may benefit them. However, public policies are often time-limited and subject to sudden changes, so it’s important to stay informed.

For the most up-to-date list of active and expired public policies—including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and timelines—we encourage you to review the official IRCC page:

👉 View IRCC Public Policies

If you believe a current policy might apply to your situation, or if you’re unsure whether you qualify, feel free to contact our office. We’re here to help you navigate these complex options with clarity and confidence.