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The Canadian government announced on August 19 that Immigration and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and border agents recognize the 5-year extension to expired Venezuelan passports published by the Venezuelan National Assembly on June 7, 2019. Venezuelans can use these extended passports to apply for a visitor visa, a study or work permit, or permanent residence or to extend their stay in Canada. Passport holders can travel to or stay in Canada using their Venezuela passport if it expired less than 5 years ago or will soon expire.
As millions flee Venezuela's civic and economic crisis, Venezuelan consulates cannot replace expired passports and other documents.
“Canada remains deeply concerned by the critical and worsening political and economic situation in Venezuela. The inability of Venezuelans to renew their expired passports has posed significant challenges, which were highlighted in my discussions with members of the Venezuelan community in Canada. Our government is resolved to continue Canada’s commitment to and steadfast support for the people of Venezuela."
- The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
CBC reports that some Venezuelans in Canada on legal student visas cannot continue their studies or graduate because they can't update their documents due to expired passports, and others with permanent residence have seen their progress toward citizenship interrupted because their Venezuelan documents are no longer valid.
Applicants must meet all other immigration eligibility requirements. IRCC's website will advise Venezuelans if any additional steps become necessary.
The Canadian government is also easing refugee rules for Venezuelans and allowing challenges to deportation rules issued to Venezuelans whose asylum claims were rejected prior to Aug. 19, 2019.
